As St Nic’s Artists we explore, we experiment & we create
At St Nicholas C of E Primary School, we believe that art is a powerful way for children to explore ideas, express themselves and develop their creativity. Through our ambitious, inclusive and progressive Art and Design curriculum, pupils build the knowledge, skills and confidence to become successful young artists while developing an appreciation of art and culture from a range of times, places and traditions.
Our art curriculum is rooted in our Christian vision to Aim High, Be Courageous and Show Love. We encourage children to aim high by taking pride in their achievements and striving to develop their artistic skills. They are courageous when they experiment with new techniques, take creative risks and learn from mistakes. Through studying diverse artists and artwork, pupils learn to respect different perspectives, celebrate creativity and show love through appreciation, collaboration and self-expression.
Art is a key part of our distinctive St Nic's Journey and our Arts and Culture pillar. Through meaningful engagement with local, national and global artists, children broaden their cultural capital and gain an understanding of how art reflects and shapes the world around us. Learning is structured around the disciplines of Drawing, Painting, and Sculpture & Mixed Media, enabling pupils to develop progressively deeper knowledge and increasingly sophisticated artistic skills throughout their time at St Nicholas.
At the heart of our curriculum is the identity of the St Nic's Artist. As St Nic's Artists, we explore, we experiment and we create. Through our creative process, children investigate, explore, plan, make, refine and present their work. This encourages pupils to be creative and curious, develop resilience, reflect on their learning and understand that art is a journey of discovery as well as a final outcome.
As pupils progress through school, they learn to create, evaluate and discuss artwork with increasing confidence and independence. We want every child to leave St Nicholas with a love of creativity, an appreciation of art and culture, and the knowledge and skills to express themselves in meaningful ways. By nurturing curiosity, imagination and resilience, we inspire every child to see themselves as an artist who can make a unique contribution to the world around them.
As St Nic's Artists, we explore, we experiment and we create.
The National Curriculum for Art & Design aims to ensure that all pupils:
- Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences.
- Become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques.
- Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design.
- Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.
