Art and Design & Technology

Introduction

At St Mary Redcliffe Primary School, our Art and Design curriculum is rooted in our school's core values of Hope, Empathy, Acceptance, Respect, Thankfulness, and Selflessness. We believe that the creative arts are a powerful means for our pupils to express themselves, develop their confidence, and explore the diverse world around them.

Key Aims

Our Art and Design curriculum aims to:

• Inspire our children to be creative and express themselves through a wide range of artistic mediums
• Provide opportunities that promote positive mental health and wellbeing
• Enable our children to develop essential art skills and techniques
• Allow our children time to experiment, enjoy, and succeed in creative activities
• Build children's confidence and provide opportunities for individual artistic expression
• Inspire our children to understand how the creative arts are incorporated into society and the creative industries as a valued career path

Content and Skills

Pupils at St Mary Redcliffe will experience a varied, experimental, and project-based art curriculum. They will develop core skills in drawing, painting, colour theory, and sculpture, particularly through the use of clay. Additionally, they will have opportunities to explore a range of other artistic disciplines, including collage, printing, textiles, sustainable art, and world crafts.

Throughout their learning, pupils will be exposed to diverse and contemporary artists, with a particular focus on those from the local Bristol area. This will enable them to see the creative arts as an accessible and vibrant part of their community.

Progression

Our Art and Design curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that pupils' learning builds upon their prior knowledge and skills. As they progress through Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils will have opportunities to revisit and deepen their understanding of core artistic concepts and techniques. This will allow them to develop increasingly complex mental models and the ability to apply their learning in new and unfamiliar contexts.

Wider Impact

Through our Art and Design curriculum, we aim to nurture our pupils' creativity, self-expression, and positive mental health. By providing them with a range of enrichment opportunities, such as participation in the local Arts Trail, whole-school Art and Clay Days, and visits from Bristol artists, we will inspire our children to see the creative arts as an integral part of their lives and community.

Ultimately, our Art and Design curriculum will empower our pupils to become confident, well-rounded individuals who are prepared for the next stage of their education and future careers, whether in the creative industries or beyond.

Art on the Hill Exhibition Showcases Pupils' Masterpieces at St Mary Redcliffe Primary School

St Mary Redcliffe Primary School, a local school in the heart of the community, is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its "Art on the Hill" exhibition, a celebration of the artistic talents of its pupils. The exhibition, held on 5th October 2024, was a resounding success, attracting a large number of visitors from the surrounding area. Pupils at the primary school had the opportunity to showcase their art work, which was inspired by the renowned French artist Henri Matisse. The vibrant and imaginative pieces on display were a testament to the creativity and skill of the young artists.

"Great project for all the family," said a visitor, highlighting the inclusive and engaging nature of the event.

Throughout the exhibition, the school welcomed members of the community, offering refreshments and the chance to participate in art workshops inspired by Matisse's iconic style. The positive feedback received from attendees underscored the profound impact of the event, which not only celebrated the pupils' artistic achievements but also fostered a sense of community and appreciation for the arts.

St Mary Redcliffe Primary School is a thriving educational setting that places a strong emphasis on the arts, recognising their vital role in the holistic development of its pupils. By participating in events like "Art on the Hill", the school aims to nurture creativity, inspire young minds, and strengthen the bond between the school and the local community.

As the school looks to the future, it remains committed to providing its pupils with opportunities to explore their artistic passions and to showcase their talents to the wider community. The success of the "Art on the Hill" exhibition is a testament to the school's dedication to fostering a love for the arts and enriching the lives of its pupils and the community they serve.

Introduction

At St Mary Redcliffe Primary School, our Design Technology (DT) curriculum is rooted in our core values of Hope, Empathy, Acceptance, Respect, Thankfulness, and Selflessness. We believe that developing our pupils' creative, technical, and practical expertise is essential for them to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. Our DT curriculum aims to inspire and enthuse our children, nurturing their appreciation and exploration of products while building a strong foundation of knowledge, understanding, and skills.

Key Aims

Our DT curriculum is designed to:

• Enable our children to design, make, and evaluate high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
• Develop our pupils' subject-specific design technology vocabulary and their ability to critique, evaluate, and test their own and others' ideas and products
• Ensure our children understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook

Content and Skills

Through our DT curriculum, our pupils will gain a repertoire of knowledge, understanding, and skills in areas such as textiles, food and nutrition, construction, and electrical systems. They will have opportunities to apply their learning in creative and practical ways, designing and making products for real-life, meaningful contexts. Our children will develop their confidence and resilience, learning to experiment with designs and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses to improve their work.

Progression

Our whole-school progression in DT skills and vocabulary ensures that our pupils have opportunities to build upon their previous learning and develop new skills as they move through the primary phase. Each year, our children will cover three units of DT, covering a range of materials and techniques, and progressively developing their subject-specific knowledge and capabilities.

Wider Impact

By providing our pupils with a high-quality DT education, we aim to equip them with the creative, technical, and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. Our DT curriculum will also contribute to the development of our children's problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills, preparing them for their next steps in education and life.