Art & Design

Our Statement of Intent

Creativity is at the heart of Stanford Infant School and through Art and Design we aspire for our children to see themselves as Artists who can explore and express their emotions, thoughts and ideas through a wide range of different media.

Art and Design is taught through exciting learning opportunities interwoven into our cross-curricular learning journeys. We endeavour for our children be inspired to express themselves imaginatively and challenged through the development of new skills and techniques. Our Art and Design curriculum is underpinned by progressive, skills-based planning, and from Reception to Year Two the children develop skills in drawing, painting, print-making, three-dimensional work and mixed media (including textiles and collage). We want our children to become reflective Artists and so encourage them to evaluate both their work and the work of others.

Our children have the opportunity to connect with our wider creative community through our involvement in the citywide event of Brighton Children’s Parade, a key part of the Brighton Festival. Our curriculum also introduces them to a variety of artists, craft makers and designers from different times and places around the world. Through this, our Art and Design teaching not only supports each child to develop a sense of self but also enhances their appreciation and understanding of the world around them.

Expressive Arts and Design - Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage EYFS 2021

The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity. It is important that children have regular opportunities to engage with the arts, enabling them to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. The quality and variety of what children see, hear and participate in is crucial for developing their understanding, self-expression, vocabulary and ability to communicate through the arts. The frequency, repetition and depth of their experiences are fundamental to their progress in interpreting and appreciating what they hear, respond to and observe.

Purpose of Study – National Curriculum 2014

Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.