Art and Design
At Radwinter CofE (VA) Primary School, , we believe that Art and Design are essential parts of a child’s education and personal development. Our art curriculum nurtures creativity, imagination, and self-expression, enabling every child to flourish in a caring and supportive environment, true to our vision of “Growing and learning together to embrace life in all its fullness.”
What Will Children Learn?
Art at Radwinter is much more than mastering technical skills; it is a powerful means for children to explore their individuality and express their ideas. Our curriculum is designed to build knowledge and skills over time, allowing children to develop their creativity and critical thinking in meaningful ways.
Children will have opportunities to experience:
- Diverse Artistic Traditions: Exploring art from different cultures within the UK and around the world, helping children appreciate and celebrate diversity in line with our Christian values of fairness, kindness, and respect.
- Community Connections: Engaging with art within our local community, strengthening links between school, church, and village life.
- Inspiration from Artists: Learning about a wide range of male and female artists and designers, past and present, to inspire their own creativity.
- Materials and Techniques: Experimenting with different materials and artistic methods, encouraging curiosity and hands-on learning.
- Art as a Language: Understanding that art communicates ideas, emotions, and stories beyond words.
How Will Children Be Taught?
Our art curriculum is implemented through the Access Art Mixed and Split Curriculum, which carefully sequences lessons to develop children’s understanding of visual language and artistic techniques.
Children will:
- Develop knowledge, skills, and understanding of materials and artistic techniques.
- Make personal interpretations and communicate their ideas through art.
- Explore the visual elements of art and design: line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, shape, and 3D form.
- Use sketchbooks to develop and record their ideas, with KS2 children using them regularly and KS1 children becoming familiar with their use.
Teachers support children by breaking down complex skills into manageable steps, using scaffolds and prompts to help all children, including those with additional needs, achieve success. We foster an environment where children learn with and about art, reflecting our commitment to nurturing each child’s unique talents and needs.
What Are the Outcomes for Children??
By the time children leave Radwinter CofE Primary School, they will have developed:
- Visual Fluency: The ability to use elements such as line, shape, pattern, colour, and texture confidently to express emotions and ideas.
- Creative Confidence: Drawing from observation, memory, and imagination with skill and adventurousness.
- Artistic Thinking: The capacity to explore, invent, and communicate ideas through purposeful drawing in 2D, 3D, or digital media.
- Cultural Awareness: A rich knowledge and understanding of diverse artists, craft makers, and designers.
- Creative Practitioners: The ability to think and act creatively, using their knowledge to inspire and interpret the world around them.
- Independence and Originality: Skills to develop their creativity with initiative and confidence.
- Technical 'Skillfulness': The ability to select and use materials and techniques inventively to realise their artistic intentions.
- Critical Evaluation: Reflecting thoughtfully on their own work and that of others, engaging in peer and self-assessment.
As Edgard Degas said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Our children leave school able to communicate powerfully through their art, embodying our values of service, respect, and kindness.
Art and Our Christian Vision
Our art curriculum reflects our Christian vision by embracing the fullness of life and celebrating the diversity and individuality of every child. Through art, children learn wisdom, hope, dignity, and community — values that underpin everything we do at Radwinter. Daily collective worship and strong links with our local Church enrich children’s spiritual awareness and appreciation for different cultures, further enhancing their artistic and personal growth.
Join Us on This Creative Journey
We warmly invite parents and the wider community to explore and celebrate the creative achievements of our children. Each year, we hold an Art Week, culminating in an art exhibition open to all parents. Together, we can inspire our children to embrace their talents and express their unique voices through art.
Art Week 2025
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Summary
At Radwinter CofE Primary School, Art and Design are integral to nurturing well-rounded, creative, and confident children. Our curriculum, rooted in our Christian values and vision, ensures that every child develops the skills, knowledge, and passion to embrace life in all its fullness through artistic expression.
We believe in growing and learning together — inspiring children to see the world through new eyes and to make others see it too.