At Grayshott we follow the statutory National Curriculum for Art and Design which states that “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.”

Our curriculum for art and 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 technique

• evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design

• know about great artists, craft makers and designers

• understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms

Key Stage 1

Pupils are taught:

• to use a range of materials creatively to design and make products

• to use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination

• to develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space

• about the work of a range of artists, craft makers and designers, describing the differences and similarities between different practices and disciplines, and making links to their own work

Key Stage 2

Pupils are taught

• to develop their techniques, including their control and their use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.

• to create sketch books to record their observations and use them to review and revisit ideas

• to improve their mastery of art and design

• techniques, including drawing, painting and sculpture with

• a range of materials [for example, pencil, charcoal, paint, clay

• about great artists, architects and designers in history

British Values and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Development

Within Art and Design we promote tolerance and respect by exploring art in different faiths and cultures.  Pupils have the opportunity to work independently and as a team through a range of tasks which helps to build resilience, mutual respect and self-esteem.

SPIRITUAL - Art allows children to explore a variety of topics that link to the world around them. Children learn about a variety of artists giving them an understanding about the artist and their work. We nurture creativity by allowing independent thinking, experimenting, risk taking and exploring media and new ideas. Art allows them to be independent learners helping them to develop ideas which are their own. All children will understand that they must be respectful of each other’s beliefs and views during class discussions.  Studying works or art also develops a sense of awe and wonder as they reflect upon meaning and intent.

MORAL - Children must have an open mind when observing work allowing them to appreciate others viewpoints that may challenge their own beliefs. They are encouraged to give appropriate feedback to peers in a variety of ways, giving justification for their views. Children can apply this to their daily lives ensuring that they are able to voice opinions in the appropriate way.

SOCIAL - Through their investigations and learning, the children are encouraged to consider the impact of art and design on society. Whenever possible, children’s work is celebrated through exhibition, where others can experience and appreciate the hard work of our talented children. In all years, children are encouraged to work and tidy up in cooperation with others, either in pairs or within larger groups. 

CULTURAL - In Art, we incorporate a range of influences and inspirations, covering a variety of cultures, beliefs, ideas and religions. Children are encouraged to appreciate that all cultures have expression, purpose and artistic worth. Children learn to reflect on the cultural context in which the work has been produced. This allows them to develop their knowledge and understanding of artist’s ideas and concepts, understanding and identifying how meanings are conveyed.

Art Around The World

Art Around the World was a large project undertaken by some of our most talented artists from each class. Using donated materials like railway sleepers and fence posts, we wanted to create a large-scale art installation for the school grounds in time for the return of Hidden Gardens of Grayshott. 

Children were given a continent and then looked at artwork from that continent to inspire them. Each piece of wood represents one of the seven continents of the earth. Children worked in groups over the course of a day to make each piece of wood represent the artwork of that continent. the results were quite breath-taking and the installation now stands in the grounds to remind us what we can achieve when we work together. 

Totem Pole Workshop

2022-2023's Yellow and Silver Class worked with local artist Katie Netley to produce a stunning piece of sculpture to be the centrepiece of our new pond area. With the theme of 'the natural world' Silver Class created clay pieces that were then decorated by Yellow Class. The project was a big success and the children really enjoy seeing their work on display