Art Curriculum Vision

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11

At St. Matthews School we believe that Art is an important part to a child’s education as it helps stimulate creativity, curiosity, imagination and inventiveness. Art also provides visual and sensory experiences; a unique way of understanding and responding to the world around us. We believe that Art gives our pupils the skills, concepts, knowledge and possibilities necessary for them to express responses to ideas and experiences.

Through various Art activities,  pupils will learn to express and communicate what they see, feel and think. It challenges them to think critically and discuss ideas such as use of colour, texture, form, pattern, processes, purpose and impact. Self-evaluation of works and artists is encouraged as it enables good practise for not only self-reflection as well as teaching pupils about resilience in order to achieve their goals.

Our aim at St. Matthews is to create an environment rich with opportunities for children and to develop their confidence as they progress and master their skills of creativity by using a wide range of media. Pupils will use colour, form, texture and pattern within different materials to communicate what they see, think and feel. Through Art activities they will also learn to make informed judgements and aesthetic and practical decisions helping to develop their well-rounded opportunities and experiences within Art.

The children will have ample opportunities to also explore great artists, craft makers and designers to learn about the diverse roles and functions of art and design in contemporary life, and in different times and cultures. Understanding appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts has the power to enrich our own personal and public lives, positively affecting our well-being and how we see our place in this world.

“Art is just not a subject to learn, but an activity that you can practise with your hands, your eyes, your whole personality.”   Quentin Blake