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Art

Art and Design Intent

At Bottesford Schools Federation, we are artists.

At Bottesford Schools Federation, we recognise Art and Design as an essential part of a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum. Through high-quality, practical and purposeful experiences, we aim to inspire curiosity, creativity, imagination and a lifelong appreciation of art.

Our Art and Design curriculum reflects our vision “We RISE together” – do what’s right, help others, reach your best. Children develop Respect by valuing the ideas, creativity, cultures and artistic expression of others. They demonstrate Integrity by being honest about their own ideas and creative processes, taking ownership of their work and responding thoughtfully to feedback. Children Strive to develop their artistic skills, refine their techniques and challenge themselves to improve. Through Art and Design, children become Empowered to express themselves creatively, make their own artistic choices and develop their own unique artistic voice. We have high expectations for every child, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND and those who require additional support, can access, enjoy and succeed in Art and Design.

Children develop a progressive bank of knowledge and skills, revisiting and building upon the key areas of drawing, painting, collage, printing, textiles and sculpture. They explore a diverse range of artists, designers, architects and craftspeople from different cultures, backgrounds and periods, including artists with local connections. This develops cultural capital, broadens children's experiences and encourages them to form their own opinions and preferences.

We believe children learn best through active exploration and experimentation. Children are encouraged to investigate, make choices, take creative risks and solve problems. They learn that mistakes are an important part of the creative process and are encouraged to adapt, refine and try again, developing resilience, independence and reflective thinking.

Through Art and Design, we aim to nurture children who are adventurous, creative, independent, reflective, resilient, culturally aware, collaborative and proud of their achievements. We want every child to see themselves as an artist and leave our federation with the confidence, skills and creativity to continue their artistic journey throughout life.

A Bottesford Federation artist will:

  • Develop a progressive bank of knowledge and skills, revisiting and building upon drawing, painting, collage, printing, textiles and sculpture.
  • Explore a diverse range of artists, designers, architects and craftspeople from different cultures, backgrounds and periods, developing Respect for different perspectives and forms of artistic expression.
  • Strive to develop their artistic skills through active exploration, experimentation and practice.
  • Show Integrity by taking ownership of their ideas, making thoughtful creative choices and reflecting honestly on their work.
  • Feel Empowered to investigate, ask questions, take creative risks and develop their own artistic voice.
  • Learn that mistakes are an important part of the creative process and Strive to adapt, refine and improve their work.
  • Work collaboratively, showing Respect for the ideas and creativity of others.
  • Develop confidence and a growing appreciation of art, recognising how artists can communicate ideas, express themselves and make a difference in the world.
  • Feel Empowered to see themselves as an artist and leave our federation with the knowledge, skills, confidence and creativity to continue their artistic journey throughout life.

Our Art & Design Curriculum:

  • Art and Design is taught through a carefully sequenced progression of knowledge and skills, enabling children to revisit, practise and build upon previous learning.

  • Children develop skills across drawing, painting, collage, printing, textiles and sculpture, working with a wide range of materials, media and techniques.

  • Our curriculum is underpinned by the National Curriculum and informed by high-quality resources, including AccessArt and relevant professional development.

  • Lessons are practical, active and engaging, giving children opportunities to experiment, investigate, create, evaluate and refine their work.

  • Children explore a diverse range of artists and creative practitioners, including local, contemporary and historical artists, helping to develop cultural awareness and appreciation.

  • Children are encouraged to make mistakes, persevere and try again, building resilience and confidence in their creative abilities.

  • Children develop the vocabulary and confidence to talk about, evaluate and respectfully critique their own work and the work of others.

  • Appropriate scaffolding, modelling and challenge ensure that all children, including pupils with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, can access the full Art and Design curriculum and achieve highly.

  • Where meaningful, Art and Design is linked to other curriculum areas, providing opportunities for immersive and real-life learning.

  • Children's creativity is celebrated through high-quality displays, exhibitions and opportunities to share their work, contributing to our immersive learning environments.

  • Art supports our wider RISE values by encouraging children to do what’s right, help others and reach their best through respect, collaboration, perseverance and independence.