Art Subject Statement
The famous Picasso quote ‘Every child is an artist, the problem is how to remain an artist once they grow up.’
Here at Salisbury Primary School, we encourage children to see themselves as artists, develop their artistic skills, express their own ideas, use their creative ideas and give meaning to the world around them. Our topic-based approach to learning ensures that all of our children are engaged in an inclusive, inspirational, creative curriculum, which reflects our local, historical and global community. Pupils are given the opportunity to communicate what they see and feel through a variety of materials, textures, colours and patterns and use a range of materials, tools and techniques. They learn to critically evaluate their own and other people’s work, giving their opinions respectfully.
Our aim is to ensure all pupils produce creative, imaginative work and the visual elements of art and design (line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, shape, 3D form). All children have the opportunity to explore their ideas and record their experiences, as well as exploring the work of others and evaluating different creative ideas. Children develop their understanding of art through cross-curricular links. At Salisbury, we celebrate and display as much work created during art lessons as possible, creating a stimulating visual environment and instilling confidence in their creative process in order to - in the words of Picasso - ‘remain an artist once they grow up’. This is further enhanced through holiday projects linked to new curriculum topic, artistic competitions, such as designing Christmas cards for the Royal Mail and Non-Smoking posters for TfL.
Our Art Curriculum, rooted in the National Curriculum and supported by the 'Progression in Art Skills' document, ensures the comprehensive teaching of a diverse range of skills. Art is integrated into termly topic work, covering areas like printmaking, sculpture, mosaics, and textiles. Enrichment activities, including visits to prestigious galleries like the National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum and The Tate Modern, contribute to an holistic educational experience.
At Salisbury, we dedicate a week in the summer to Art where all children take part in the annual Art Matters Exhibition at UEL (University of East London), using a range of materials to produce a piece of art.
Teachers plan inclusive lessons, considering individual needs and celebrating each child's unique expression. For students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), additional support is provided to develop their art skills outside regular lessons, incorporating activities like mark making and colour mixing into their learning plans.
All pupils at Salisbury have artistic opportunities both inside and outside of our school environment which include: