Curriculum Intent
At Bramley Oak Academy, it is evident that the subject of Art and Design pose increasing benefits in all aspects of children’s four major areas of development. This in turn has positive impacts with their academic achievements, whilst meeting individual SEMH (Social Emotional Mental Health) needs. Children at Bramley Oak are able to freely explore and express their ideas, in order to be inquisitive and modern day learners.
As a school, we encourage children to explore and develop their creative enquires through an array of mediums and practical learning such as the intention of inspiring unique final pieces. Art and design lessons at Bramley Oak stretch children’s thinking and decision making skills, empowering our children to express their thoughts, feelings and understanding that meet their cognitive and SEMH needs. Bramley Oak are guided by Kapow Primary scheme of work, to enhance and develop our planning, progression and expertise within our art and design curriculum. We have adapted and sequenced our learning in order to meet the needs of every child to ensure success. Art and design is taught as a discreet subject and sequenced throughout the year to ensure that children have opportunities to revisit learning, whilst making connections to past and present learning, such as Outdoor Learning, PSHE or PE.
Implementation
Bramley Oak’s art and design curriculum is aligned with the National Curriculum. Each topic is taught in a block rotation, which encourages children to learn at a controlled pace; promoting development of new knowledge and skills within the topic block. The different strands in each unit generate a variety of skills and knowledge; motivating children to present skills using an array of mediums (such as photography, live art and sculpting), whilst referring to artistic influences relevant to the skill in hand. All units are adapted to ensure pupils can access age-appropriate content regardless of their academic levels to build and sustain high engagement, whilst providing appropriate challenges within the subject content. Key learning and vocabulary are tailored in order to support children in their acquisition of knowledge and retrieval practice; supporting and promoting with independence and individuality.
Impact
The impact of our curriculum leads to pupils being able to explore and express their ideas both practically and verbally. Pupils are involved in and are expressing their evaluation, dialogue and decision making about the quality of their outcomes and the improvements they need to make. This supports them in making decisions and talking confidently about their learning journey, helping them develop stronger metacognitive skills. Moreover, in addition formative assessment throughout the lesson means that teachers are able to support children and provide further challenges where appropriate. Overall, through our art and design curriculum children develop their creativity, self-expression and problem-solving skills. These skills are paramount in children’s overall SEMH development and wellbeing. The curriculum provides a space for all students to enhance their personal growth and self confidence in a curriculum where there is no right answer. This encouragement of expression improves the student’s confidence to engage across all subjects.
