Welcome to our Art page

                                                    Intent of our Art Curriculum

Our intention is to encourage and develop the inherent creativity of every child at Swansfield. We will develop their artistic skills, while supporting self-expression and building a life-long enjoyment of the arts. 

We aim for all learners to grow in confidence as artists, finding joy in sharing and critiquing their work with others. We introduce children to varying creative techniques and different materials, encouraging them to build on skills learnt as they revisit them throughout the curriculum.

From Early Years to Key Stage 2 children focus on drawing, painting and sculpture. Within these strands, children encounter a broad range of art forms and techniques, as well as developing an artistic vocabulary and understanding of this language in practice.  The curriculum also incorporates Swansfield’s 3Cs (being Caring, Curious and Courageous) providing an opportunity to link our creative skills with our school values.

As part of our commitment to high quality art education, we ensure that children have regular opportunities to be inspired and influenced by a range of artists, both past and present, from different cultures and backgrounds, including visits from local artists.

Art at Swansfield is a place for personal expression where children can process their emotions, growing resilience and enhancing their well-being.  We encourage pride in their artistic creations, through opportunities to show and critique their work within school and the local community.

In the words of Tracy Emin we believe that art  “...should be totally creative and open doors for new thoughts and experiences.”

                                     Implementation of our Art Curriculum

• In Early Years, Reception, KS1, LKS2 and UKS2, the Access Art curriculum scheme is taught on a two-year rolling programme.  It provides the opportunity for children to revisit and revise key knowledge and skills within an age phase and progressively over their time at Swansfield.

• Each unit has a standalone lesson focused on one of Swansfield’s 3Cs (being Caring, Curious and Courageous) providing further opportunity to enhance our children's diverse and cultural experience of the visual arts.

• Children’s learning in each unit allows them to develop their skills, while exploring and creating using different materials.

• As part of their art education, our children have the opportunity to create in different spaces and on varying scales. They work both individually and collaboratively, trying out a range of ways to use media, tools and their own physicality.  

• At Swansfield we feel it is important for children to have ownership of their sketchbook, individualising it and using it to investigate colour, shape, pattern and texture. They can feel safe to make mistakes, document their ideas and develop visual language. 

• In addition to the Art curriculum, children in Years 1 to 6 are given regular opportunities to develop their art and craft skills in after-school clubs. They are also encouraged to take part in various art competitions, including Alnwick in Bloom.