Art
At Craneswater the art curriculum is designed to engage, inspire and challenge pupils. Beyond creating, pupils have the opportunity to appreciate artworks from cave paintings to the work of contemporary artists. Pupils are encouraged to talk about art, using the language of art and design, and understand its historical and cultural context. Our curriculum reflects and celebrates diversity and cultural differences. Pupils learn to question, evaluate and analyse. On leaving Craneswater, pupils understand that there is no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ art and that art is accessible for all.
Each year group completes drawing, painting, sculpture, collage and printing and units. Skills are re-visited and built upon as the children progress through the school ensuring continuity and progression throughout the key stage.
Every child has their own art journal. The journals are used to explore ideas and practice new skills. Completed journals show exploratory work as well as photos of 3D pieces, reference notes and collage, printing and textile examples.
When the journals are full to bursting, the children are able to take them home and keep as a record of their achievements.
Whilst meeting lesson objectives, the children are encouraged to approach activities freely in order to encourage confidence, independence and creative flare.
We regularly participate in art related competitions and work alongside established creative organisations.
Can you spot the original artwork in these year five landscape paintings?
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Art Overview
Year 3
Autumn 1
Drawing portraits
Exploring mark making and texture Developing drawing techniques
Autumn 2
Sculpture
Clay Egyptian artefacts
Spring 1
Collage
Link to RE trees unit Layering shapes on a background
Spring 2
Painting
Link to history Stone Age cave paintings
Exploring marks with paint
Summer 1
Textiles
Fabric design - linked to Kandinsky Stitching
Summer 2
Printing
Link to geography Southsea unit Mono printing
Year 5
Autumn 1
Anglo Saxon brooches
Researching craftsmen through history Using different tools and techniques
Autumn 2
Portraits
Proportions of a human figure Drawing portraits
Spring 1
Clay Sculpture
Researching Henry Moore
Exploring prose
Use clay to create sculpture
Spring 2
Landscape painting
Colour mixing skills
Brush techniques
Painting foreground, middle ground and background
Summer 1 & 2
Photography
Looking at the work of urban artist Roy’s People
Analysing/exploring photo shots Telling a story through a photograph
Year 4
Autumn 1
Sculpture
Exploring textures
Creating models
Autumn 2
Printing
Creating Greek motifs
Spring 1
Drawing
Exploring mark making and tone
Exploring composition
Developing portraits
Spring 2
Drawing
Exploring mark making and tone
Exploring composition
Landscapes and skylines
Summer 1
Painting
Exploring Picasso’s work
Creating work in the style of Picasso
Summer 2
Collage
Mosaic designs
Year 6
Autumn 1
Artists study and response
To study works of 20th century abstract painters; Basquiat, Miro, Kusama, to develop own abstract design
Autumn 2
Sculpture
Exploring textures
Create a clay model of a Mayan god
Spring 1
Drawing
Drawing using pastels
Blending colours
Link to Macbeth scene
Summer 1
Urban art
Looking at the work of local artist - My Dog Sighs
Explore acrylic paint
Merging colours
Summer 2
Painting skills
Curriculum link ‘Lady of Shalott’
Brush techniques
Colour blending
Proportion Perspective
Year 5 photography inspired by urban artist Roy's People. His work combines miniature figures, photography and the streets to create a miniature world beneath our feet. What narratives do these photos tell? Are there clues in the titles?



