Art and Design

"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."

Thomas Merton

Observe. Explore. Experiment. Create.

Art gives children another language through which they can understand and respond to the world. At Elburton, pupils encounter significant artists, designers and artistic traditions while developing knowledge of materials, techniques and creative processes. We want children to see creativity as something that grows through knowledge, experimentation, courage and practice.

Why this subject matters

Art develops observation, imagination, visual literacy, cultural understanding and the confidence to express ideas in different ways. It encourages children to look closely, think creatively and communicate thoughts, feelings and experiences through visual forms.

What children learn

Children develop skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and other artistic media.

They learn about artists, designers and craftspeople from different cultures, places and periods in history, explore visual elements such as line, colour, shape, form, texture and tone, and use sketchbooks to experiment, practise and refine ideas.

How knowledge develops

Artistic knowledge and skills are carefully sequenced so that children revisit important techniques and concepts with increasing confidence and control.

Knowledge of artists, artistic movements and creative traditions broadens over time, enabling children to make connections, develop personal preferences and draw inspiration from a wide range of sources.

What this looks like at Elburton

Children observe closely, experiment with materials, discuss artistic choices, practise techniques and develop ideas over time.

They study a diverse range of artists and artistic traditions, helping them understand how art reflects different experiences, cultures and perspectives.

Finished outcomes are important, but equal value is placed on exploration, revision, experimentation and reflection.

How we know children are learning

Teachers assess learning through observation, discussion, sketchbooks, developing work and final outcomes.

Children demonstrate their learning by applying artistic techniques, making thoughtful creative choices, using artistic vocabulary and explaining the decisions they have made throughout the creative process.

Supporting Learning at Home

EYFS and Key Stage 1

Drawing is accessible and can help you connect with your child and environment. Painting can promote relaxation, so encourage your child to experiment with different colours and mediums, like watercolours, tempera paints, or finger paints. You can also try clay sculpting to explore elements of art like form and texture, or digital art with tablets and drawing software.

Make art part of everyday life, incorporate art into family activities and routines. For example, you can try collaborative drawing, like making a large mural together on a wall or large paper. You can also use loose parts to inspire creativity and critical thinking skills. Children can use loose parts to make art, build, or use as props to tell a story.

Visit The Box museum, art gallery and archive and learn how Plymouth and the surrounding area has changed over time. Keep up to date with current installations and exhibitions: https://www.theboxplymouth.com

Key Stage 2

Discuss art, use open-ended questions to prompt critical thinking when discussing and analysing artworks with your child. You can also introduce famous artists and art movements through books, documentaries, and online resources.

Encourage your child to keep a sketch book. Suggest that they take it with them when they go out so that they can look for things to sketch – a tree, a building, a scene. Alternatively, if they see something they would like to draw, take a photo on your phone and let them sketch from it when they are home.

Show appreciation for their efforts by displaying their artwork around the home. This can boost their confidence and pride in their work.

Introduce them to various art techniques, like shading, perspective, and collage, and encourage them to try these in their own work.

Visit The Box museum, art gallery and archive and learn how Plymouth and the surrounding area has changed over time. Keep up to date with current installations and exhibitions: https://www.theboxplymouth.com

Read books about art such as:

The Usborne Complete Book of Art Ideas" by Fiona Watt: A comprehensive guide filled with creative projects and techniques that are easy to follow.

"Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media" by Susan Schwake: Offers a variety of fun and engaging art projects with step-by-step instructions.

"Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" by Betty Edwards: A classic book that helps develop drawing skills through exercises that enhance the right side of the brain.

Art in Action

Art helps children understand themselves and the world around them. Through creating, reflecting and responding to the work of others, pupils learn to express ideas, take creative risks and develop their own artistic voice. By the time they leave Elburton, we want children to be confident, curious and resilient young artists who value creativity and appreciate the diverse ways people express themselves.