Art
At James Watt our aim is to deliver a high quality art curriculum for all of our children. From our pupils we aim to encourage and develop a high form of creativity by delivery of a quality art curriculum which engages, inspires and challenges them. Through carefully planned lessons we aim to equip our children with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. Children will build confidence and develop technical skills across a wide range of artistic disciplines. We follow the Kapow scheme of work, which provides a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum that builds knowledge and skills year on year. As James Watt pupils progress through the school we encourage them to think critically about their own and others art work whilst developing a deeper understanding of different art forms. They are taught how art both reflects and shapes our history, how it contributes to different cultures and how it impacts the wealth of our nation.
Our aim in James Watt is for all children to explore and develop their own ideas as they produce creative works through engaging hands on projects. They will be encouraged to take risks and reflect on their work whilst appreciating the process and journey rather than simply the final product. As they move through the school we strive for our pupils to become proficient in drawing, painting and other art techniques. Following this we encourage them to use the appropriate language of art as they evaluate their own work and analyse the creative works of others. At the same time they will learn about the great artists and their techniques and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms whilst being encouraged to take inspiration to create their own works in their particular style.
Our curriculum is closely linked to our school values: pupils are honest when reflecting on and evaluating their own work, aspirational in striving to improve their skills, noble in showing respect for different ideas and cultures, determined when refining and developing their creations, and safe as they learn to use tools and materials responsibly. The Kapow scheme supports children in developing their imagination, critical thinking and confidence, ensuring a rich and inclusive art education for all of our pupils.
In nursery the children explore different materials freely to express their ideas and produce art work linked to their topics. They explore colour and shape when making rockets linked to the story Whatever Next!. Linked to the nursery rhyme topic they create collage pictures of nursery rhyme characters. When celebrating Chinese New Year, they join different materials to create their own dragon to dance with.
In Key Stage 1 our pupils will be taught to use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination. In their drawings and paintings they will use a range of art techniques including colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space. A range of artists will be explored with children looking for similarities and differences between their art works. As children move to Key Stage 2 they will continue to develop these skills improving their mastery of art including drawing, painting and sculpture. Further techniques and materials will be introduced including charcoal and clay.
At James Watt, we expect our children to be able to look at a piece of artwork and try to understand it, not just react to it. Above all, we want our children to discover and relish a creative outlet as a way to express themselves and have fun.