Art and Design Technology at St. Mark’s
Intent
At St. Mark’s C of E Primary School, we aim to foster creativity, innovation, and critical thinking through a well-structured Art and Design Technology (DT) curriculum. By offering students a range of artistic and design experiences, we provide them with the skills to express themselves creatively while also developing problem-solving abilities. We believe that Art and DT are integral to a well-rounded education, supporting cross-curricular learning and encouraging students to take pride in their creations. Our Art and DT curriculum is carefully designed to engage students with both creative and practical elements. In Art, children explore a variety of mediums, including drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, textiles, and digital art, while DT follows a Plan, Do, Review approach, encouraging students to think critically throughout the design and creation process.
Implementation
Alternating Half-Term Structure: Art and DT are taught on a rotating half-term basis, ensuring a focused approach to both subjects while allowing students to fully immerse themselves in each discipline. This model provides the time needed for students to develop specific skills in Art and DT without distraction. Cross-Curricular Integration: We integrate Art and DT with other areas of the curriculum, enhancing students’ learning by providing context and meaning. Projects are designed to align with topics being studied in History, Geography, and English, allowing students to make connections and apply their skills in creative ways. Art Curriculum: Our Art curriculum is divided into six key mediums, each revisited throughout the year to ensure skill progression and mastery: – Drawing – Painting – Sculpture – Printmaking – Textiles – Digital Art Through this varied curriculum, students are exposed to different artistic techniques and encouraged to express themselves creatively in various formats. Design Technology Curriculum: In DT, students follow a structured Plan, Do, Review model, which guides them through the stages of designing, making, and evaluating their projects. This approach helps them develop practical skills such as measuring, cutting, assembling, and evaluating their designs. The curriculum fosters innovation and allows students to solve real-world problems through hands-on projects. Creative Projects and Displays: We regularly host whole-school Art and DT projects, encouraging collaboration and showcasing student work. Hall art displays and collaborative DT exhibitions are a feature of school life, promoting a sense of community and pride in student achievements.
Impact
Through our Art and DT curriculum, we aim to develop confident, creative, and skilled learners. Students leave St. Mark’s with a strong foundation in both artistic techniques and practical design skills, enabling them to think critically, solve problems, and appreciate the value of creativity. Cultural Capital and Expression: Art and DT also play a vital role in enhancing students’ cultural capital. By exposing children to a wide range of artistic styles and design processes, we ensure that they understand and appreciate diverse cultural influences. Our curriculum encourages students to reflect on their own cultural backgrounds and those of others, broadening their perspectives and fostering respect and empathy. Skills for the Future: Students develop key skills in observation, analysis, and evaluation, preparing them for future learning. Through Art and DT, they also learn resilience and perseverance, as they refine their work and learn from mistakes. These skills are not only essential for academic success but also for life beyond school, as they contribute to well-rounded, thoughtful individuals ready to engage with the world creatively and critically.