Art and Design Curriculum Rationale
At Rosebrook Primary School, our art and design curriculum is designed to engage, inspire, and challenge our pupils to become proficient in a range of artistic techniques and to develop a deep appreciation for the work of artists, both past and present. We follow the National Curriculum for art and design, but we also aim to make strong connections to the local context and the diverse experiences of our pupils.
Our curriculum recognises that art is not just a subject to be learned, but a means of self-expression and creativity. We believe that every child has the potential to be an artist, and our goal is to nurture their natural talents and curiosity through a carefully sequenced and progressive programme of study.
Throughout their time at Rosebrook, pupils will have the opportunity to develop their skills in drawing, painting, printing, and sculpture, using a wide range of media and materials. They will learn the language and vocabulary necessary to discuss and evaluate their own work, as well as the work of others, including local and internationally renowned artists.
By studying the work of artists from diverse backgrounds and time periods, our pupils will gain a deeper understanding of the role of art in different cultures and societies. This not only aligns with our school’s commitment to promoting respect and understanding, but also helps to broaden the horizons of our pupils, many of whom come from a relatively homogeneous community.
Importantly, our art and design curriculum is designed to be aspirational, challenging our pupils to push the boundaries of their creativity and to take risks in their learning. We want our pupils to develop the confidence and resilience to experiment with new techniques and to learn from their mistakes, ultimately becoming independent and self-directed learners.
Whole School Aims
Our art and design curriculum is fully aligned with the school’s overarching vision and values. The DREAM core values of Determination, Respect, Enthusiasm, Ambition, and Growth Mindset are woven throughout the subject, as pupils are encouraged to approach their learning with a positive and resilient attitude, to respect the work of others, and to strive for excellence.
Furthermore, the school’s mission to “remove barriers and shatter the glass ceiling” is reflected in our art and design curriculum, which aims to provide all pupils, regardless of their background or ability, with the opportunity to develop their creative talents and to experience the joy and fulfilment that comes from artistic expression.
Subject Vision
At Rosebrook, we believe that art and design is a vital component of a well-rounded education. Through the study of this subject, our pupils will not only develop essential technical skills, but also the ability to think critically, to problem-solve, and to express their thoughts and feelings in unique and meaningful ways.
Our art and design curriculum is designed to inspire a lifelong love of the arts, equipping our pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to continue their artistic pursuits beyond their time at Rosebrook. We want our pupils to leave us as well-rounded individuals, able to navigate the challenges of the modern world with creativity, empathy, and resilience.
This vision aligns closely with the school’s improvement priorities, particularly in the areas of reading comprehension, oracy, and personal development. By incorporating strong language and vocabulary development, opportunities for collaborative learning, and a focus on self-expression and emotional well-being, our art and design curriculum will contribute to the overall academic and personal growth of our pupils.
Communication with Stakeholders
To ensure the successful implementation of our art and design curriculum, we will engage in regular and transparent communication with all stakeholders, including parents, carers, and the wider community.
This will involve sharing our curriculum rationale and vision through a variety of channels, such as the school website, newsletters, and parent information evenings. We will also invite parents and carers to attend exhibitions and showcases of their children’s work, providing them with the opportunity to see the progress and achievements of our pupils.
Additionally, we will seek regular feedback from our pupils, both formally and informally, to ensure that the curriculum continues to meet their needs and interests. This feedback will be used to inform ongoing curriculum development and refinement.
Given the school’s high proportion of pupils with SEND, we will also work closely with families and external agencies to ensure that the art and design curriculum is accessible and inclusive for all learners. This may involve the use of adapted resources, specialised equipment, or targeted support, as needed.
Addressing Inspection Feedback
The recent Ofsted inspection highlighted several areas of strength in our school, including the strong progress our pupils make in writing and the effective support provided for pupils with SEND. Our art and design curriculum will build upon these strengths, using writing and language development as a key focus, and ensuring that the needs of all learners are met through differentiated instruction and targeted support.
The inspection also identified some areas for improvement, such as the need to ensure that the curriculum in foundation subjects, including geography and science, is as precisely planned as in core subjects. Our art and design curriculum will address this by providing a clear and coherent sequence of learning, with a strong emphasis on the development of subject-specific knowledge and skills.
Furthermore, the inspection noted the need to ensure that the recently introduced personal development curriculum is implemented consistently across the school. Our art and design curriculum will contribute to this priority by providing opportunities for pupils to explore themes of identity, diversity, and self-expression, and by fostering the development of essential life skills, such as resilience, collaboration, and critical thinking.
By aligning our art and design curriculum with the school’s overall improvement priorities and addressing the specific feedback from the Ofsted inspection, we are confident that we can deliver a high-quality, engaging, and impactful learning experience for all of our pupils at Rosebrook Primary School.