Our Art at Alvechurch Middle School curriculum is intended to empower pupils to become independent learners and confident Art practitioners with deep core knowledge and foundational key skills. Knowledge and skills are built up over time with the curriculum content sequenced and organised in the most logical, meaningful and effective way. The curriculum is a rich basis for their own creative journeys to be grown from as planned curriculum is ambitious for all pupils but always at the appropriate level of challenge as well as being broad and balanced. Work is designed to increase in challenge over time, building on foundational concepts to more complex methods and outcomes over the four years pupils are at Alvechurch.
Pupils throughout their time at Alvechurch Middle School will learn about a range of Art movements/great artists and Art history, drawing, painting and mixed media skills along with different Art processes as well as developing critical thinking skills. Links are made to the Art and design National curriculum to guide content although it is not heavily prescriptive. Pupils are encouraged to experiment with their ideas and art media, ask big questions during lessons and become confident in the development of their personal opinions.
Mistakes are part of the process, and a nurturing learning environment is created where pupils feel supported to seek help when needed, make mistakes and crucially learn from those experiences. Building personal confidence is key and individualism is encouraged. Intent revised on at least a yearly basis, and this is recalibrated based on curriculum changes, different cohort needs and improvement focusses.
What is distinctive about Art and Design at Alvechurch C of E Middle School:
Inclusivity is at the core of everything we do and pupils are fully supported to become the best artist they can be.
Art is divided into projects, the length and number vary from year to year and is driven by the topic being studied
All pupils access a broad, rich and challenging curriculum. To experience success and make progress, appropriate support is planned, and scaffolding provided to ensure they have the support they need
Knowledge retrieval is part of day-to-day practice, in the form of questioning, discussions, starter tasks etc. Starter activities not only establishing an effective learning routine but allowing skills to be consistently built and developed with retrieval practice strengthened
Explicit instruction methods are used throughout delivery of lesson content; this is influenced by Rosenshine’s principles of instruction
Content is broken down into effective elements to manage pupil cognitive load and ensure that working memory isn’t overwhelmed
Modelling is an essential aspect of pupils learning processes and begins the process of transferring learning from teacher led to more independent practice
Adaptive teaching is an essential part of practice that is encouraged, with active participation from both pupils and staff in the learning process expected. Oracy is developed through key word usage and discussion elements.
The Curriculum Journey for every pupil in Art and Design looks like this:
How can you support your child in Art and Design?
Get out and about to view art in person! ‘Art outings’ to galleries, see public art and museums offer incredibly varied experiences and allows pupils to look at the world in a different way, forming their own opinions.
Encourage your child to bring in work from home to show Art staff, it is wonderful to see what they do outside of school.
Take a look in the media for Art news which is excellent to engage children in discussion and see what is happening in the world of art. Talking to pupils about art they do in school too helps support their engagement.
You can support drawing skills at home with drawing warm up exercises, observational drawing and even photography.
Art is excellent to support our emotional well being and having a creative outlet for pupils can be extremely beneficial. Having sketchbooks or doodle books can encourage children’s creativity and give them an outlet to process how they feel.
Art Award statement
We are part of Arts Award which is a national programme for Art and Design, and it is moderated by Trinity College London. We offer bronze and silver level as an extra-curricular option for some pupils, and we have been recognised by Trinity College as a centre of excellence for the wonderful work pupils produce. We have achieved Trinity Champion status in the last academic year in recognition of this, which is continuing on for the next year too!
