Art and Design

Through our art and design curriculum, at Newhall Park, we teach our children a range of skills involving drawing, painting, sculpting and developing other creative techniques. These fundamental skills can then be applied when children are given opportunities to explore their ideas by experimenting, inventing and creating their own varied works of art. Our primary aim is to engage and inspire our pupils, whilst also challenging them, preparing them for life in our ever-changing, innovative twenty-first century society. We believe creativity to be vital, as it fosters positive mental health (a growing focus of our era) by allowing children to express their individuality, as well as success and accomplishments. We ensure that our children are exposed to artists and their works, exploring the ideas and meanings communicated through their pieces. 

“Art is a place for children to learn and trust their ideas, themselves, and to explore what is possible” (Maryann F Kohl – author of children’s art activity books).

“The arts are a way of learning, of exploring, of responding, of revealing and demonstrating, of imagining, depicting, and making meaning. They belong in the school curriculum, as they belong in the minds and hearts of lifelong learners” (David Booth, a teacher featured in ‘Education Week’ news).

As pupils progress, they should be able to:

• think critically and develop a deeper understanding of art and design
• know how art and design reflects and shapes our history and cultural development
• communicate what they see, feel and think through the use of colour, texture, form, line and space and utilise different media and processes accordingly
• stimulate their own creativity and promote imagination
• produce their own creative work, in both response to artists and from their own imagination
• confidently discuss artists’ works
• demonstrate a mastery of taught, fundamental art skills

Long-Term Plan

Art in Action at Newhall Park: