Art, Design and Technology (DT)
Intent
At Coppetts Wood, we recognise the significance of Art and Design as well as Design and Technology, as part of the primary curriculum, and value how it enables pupils to express their individual creativity, independence, resilience, and self-reflection.
Our goal is to equip all children with the fundamental skills, techniques, and knowledge necessary to create their own unique drawings, paintings, sculptures, crafts, and design projects.
Through art, design and technology, we aim:
- to foster a natural sense of wonder and curiosity when exploring a wide variety of artworks and design concepts
- to encourage children to discover influential artists and designers
- to enable pupils to explore their own cultural heritage and those of others
- to provide children with the time and space to explore new themes and sensations, encouraging creativity without the pressure of perfection
- to prioritise the creative process over the final product, helping pupils find enjoyment and satisfaction in producing art and design work
- to create an environment where children feel safe, secure, and happy to express their most creative ideas
Implementation
The Art and Design and DT curricula at Coppetts Wood, are based on the National Curriculum for KS1 and KS2, as well as Development Matters for EYFS. These subjects are linked to various topics to ensure a structured approach to creativity. We provide a skills-based curriculum that allows pupils to express their imaginative ideas while also offering opportunities to practice and master key art and design processes. This is further supported by studying notable artists and designers and by helping children understand the integral role that art and design play in our everyday lives, community, history, and the wider world.
Teachers use their discretion, experience, and judgment to plan effective lesson sequences tailored to their pupils —whether that involves a block of lessons, a full day of art and design, or weekly sessions. We maintain flexibility to meet our pupils' needs and customise their experiences based on interests, skills, and areas requiring further development.
In EYFS, children have daily access to a variety of media and materials to explore and create their own artwork. Provision is carefully tailored to suit the interests of the children while fostering the necessary skills they are developing.
Progression in pupils' skills and knowledge, in drawing, printing, painting, sculpture, colour, texture, and pattern is assessed and tracked. Through ongoing observations, staff gain a deep understanding of each child's progress and development, allowing them to provide targeted learning opportunities that enhance their artistic skills. Children use sketchbooks to document their artistic journeys, practising new skills before applying them, to create new works.