At Bowdon Church School, our intent for the Art and Design curriculum is to foster creativity, critical thinking, and cultural appreciation amongst all students. We aim to provide a comprehensive and engaging art education that supports the development of artistic skills and personal expression while ensuring equitable access for all learners. Our key objectives include:

1. Developing Artistic Skills: We intend to equip students with a strong foundation in art skills, techniques, and processes, enabling students to express their ideas and emotions through various artistic forms.

2. Promoting Creative Expression: Our curriculum encourages students to explore their creativity and individuality. We aim to create a safe and supportive environment where students feel confident to experiment with different materials and techniques, developing their unique artistic voice.

3. Cultural Awareness and Appreciation: We intend to expose students to a wide range of artists, styles, and cultural perspectives. By studying diverse art movements and cultural artworks, students will gain a broader understanding of the world and the role of art in society.

4. Critical Thinking and Reflection: We aim to instil in students the ability to critically evaluate their own work and the work of others. Through reflective practices, discussions, and peer evaluations, students will learn to articulate their thoughts about art, enhancing their analytical skills.

5. Inclusivity and Accessibility: We are committed to making our art and design curriculum accessible to all learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Our teaching strategies are designed to support diverse learning styles and ensure every child can participate and succeed.

6. Interdisciplinary Connections: We intend to make connections between art and other subjects within the curriculum, reinforcing the relevance of artistic skills across disciplines. By integrating art with other subjects, we aim to enrich students' overall learning experiences.

7. Lifelong Appreciation for Art: Ultimately, we want our students to leave Bowdon Church School with a lasting appreciation for art and design, recognising its importance in personal expression, cultural heritage, and societal change. 

At Bowdon Church School, we implement our Art and Design curriculum through a carefully structured approach that ensures progression, engagement, and inclusivity for all students. Our implementation strategy includes the following key components:

1. Curriculum Structure and Sequencing:

   • Cyclical Units: The curriculum is organised into cyclical units that allow students to revisit and build upon prior knowledge and skills. Each unit is designed to explore specific themes and concepts, facilitating deeper understanding and mastery of artistic techniques.

   • Progressive Skill Development: Each year group follows a progressive curriculum that aligns with age-appropriate expectations, gradually increasing in complexity and depth as students advance through the school.

2. Integration of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS):

   • Our implementation begins in the Early Years, where art and design experiences are integrated into the broader curriculum. We focus on Personal, Social, and Emotional Development (PSED), helping children express themselves creatively while developing essential skills.

3. Diverse Art Experiences:

   • Students engage in a wide range of artistic practices, including drawing, painting, printmaking and textiles. This variety allows them to explore different materials and techniques, fostering creative expression and experimentation.

   • Cultural Exploration: The curriculum includes various studies of artists and art movements from diverse cultures, providing students with a basic, but important global perspective on art and its significance.

4. Practical Sessions and Hands-On Learning:

   • Art lessons are primarily practical, allowing students to engage directly with materials and techniques. They participate in hands-on activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and collaboration with peers.

   • Students are also given opportunities to evaluate their own work and that of their classmates, promoting critical thinking and constructive feedback.

   • The use of Sketchbooks from Y1 provides opportunities for students to experiment and explore with different media, techniques and methods.

5. Cross-Curricular Links:

   • Art is threaded through the wider curriculum as it is integrated into other subjects and their topics eg stone age art, Remembrance Day poppies, artistic depictions of The Great Fire of London to name a few.

6. Support for All Learners:

   • We differentiate our instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities, ensuring that all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), have access to the art curriculum.

   • Adaptations and support strategies are implemented as needed to help every child engage meaningfully in art and design activities.

7. Assessment and Reflection:

   • Continuous assessment is built into the curriculum, allowing teachers to monitor student progress and provide targeted feedback. This includes formative assessments through observation, peer evaluation, and self-assessment.

   • Students are encouraged to reflect on their learning, processes, and outcomes, fostering a growth mindset and a sense of ownership over their artistic development.

8. Community Engagement and Wider Opportunities:

   • We seek to involve the community in our art initiatives, including inviting local artists to conduct projects including one for our entrance hall. This connection enhances students’ learning experiences and provides real-world context for their artistic endeavours.

The impact of our Art and Design curriculum at Bowdon Church School is evaluated through various measures that reflect student growth, engagement, and achievement. By fostering a comprehensive and inclusive approach to art education, we aim to achieve the following outcomes:

1. Enhanced Artistic Skills and Knowledge:

   • Skill Mastery: Students demonstrate improved skills in various artistic techniques and mediums, showcasing a greater understanding of art principles such as colour theory, composition, and texture. As they progress through the curriculum, they become more proficient in applying these skills creatively in their projects.

   • Knowledge of Art History and Culture: Through exposure to diverse artists and art movements, students develop a broader appreciation for art's role in different cultures and historical contexts. They can articulate their knowledge of various art styles and their significance in society.

2. Increased Engagement and Enthusiasm:

   • Active Participation: Students exhibit high levels of engagement during art lessons, actively participating in discussions, practical activities, and collaborative projects. This enthusiasm for learning is evident in their willingness to experiment with new materials and techniques.

   • Curiosity and Exploration: The curriculum nurtures curiosity, encouraging students to ask questions and explore themes deeply. They show a desire to learn more about different art forms and to push the boundaries of their creative expression.

3. Critical Thinking and Creativity:

   • Creative Problem-Solving: Students demonstrate enhanced critical thinking skills by approaching artistic challenges with a problem-solving mindset. They learn to evaluate their work and that of others, considering feedback to improve and innovate.

   • Personal Expression: The curriculum fosters individual creativity, enabling students to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas through their artwork. They gain confidence in their unique artistic voices and develop personal styles.

4. Improved Confidence and Self-Esteem:

   • Positive Self-Expression: As students engage in art-making, they gain confidence in their abilities and are proud to showcase their work. This self-esteem is supported through positive reinforcement and constructive feedback from peers and teachers.

   • Resilience and Growth Mindset: The emphasis on a growth mindset helps students embrace challenges and view mistakes as learning opportunities. This resilience translates not only into their artistic endeavours but also into other areas of their education.

5. Collaboration and Social Skills:

   • Teamwork: Group projects and peer evaluations foster collaboration, teaching students how to work effectively with others. They learn the importance of communication, sharing ideas, and respecting different perspectives in creative processes.

   • Community Connections: Engagement with local artists and community projects strengthens students' sense of belonging and responsibility, fostering a connection to their community and the broader world of art.

6. Assessment and Progress Tracking:

   • Reflective Practices: Continuous assessment and reflection help identify individual student progress and areas for improvement. Teachers utilise this information to tailor instruction and provide support where needed, ensuring that all students can succeed in their artistic endeavours.

   • Celebration of Achievements: Opportunities to showcase student artwork and celebrate their achievements, reinforcing the value of their creative efforts within the school community.

7. Long-term Impact:

   • Lifelong Appreciation of Art: By providing diverse art experiences and fostering creativity, we instil a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Students leave Bowdon Church School with the confidence and skills to pursue artistic interests and engage with art in their everyday lives.

   • Future Opportunities: The skills and knowledge gained through our Art and Design curriculum lay a foundation for potential future studies in the arts, enhancing students' prospects for further education and career pathways in creative fields.