“Every artist was first an amateur.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

At Parkgate, we understand the importance of learning through art. Art is all around us. We know that it enables children to develop a deeper understanding of their growing sense of identity and a creative framework for their appreciation of significant artists, movements, and cultural expressions.

We believe that studying art allows our children to see how and why creativity, expression, and culture have evolved over time. We believe that what children learn through art can influence their values, perspectives, and appreciation for diverse forms of expression.

The Art curriculum offer follows the national curriculum in KS1 and KS2 and the EYFS Statutory Framework and Development Matters in the early years. The Art curriculum is ambitious and designed to give all learners, particularly the most disadvantaged and those with special educational needs, the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life. Where required, pedagogy is adapted so that all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, are on the same creative journey towards the same endpoints.

Our curriculum is carefully weighted with equal priority given to both substantive knowledge (artists, techniques, and styles) and disciplinary knowledge (how artists work and express their ideas). Clearly defined substantive knowledge end points are identified at the end of each unit, and disciplinary knowledge end points are set at the end of each key stage. Components (building blocks) are carefully sequenced so new knowledge builds on what has been previously taught and leads to the end points.

Key concepts, for example, 'expression', 'creativity', 'technique', and 'style', are covered and repeated throughout the curriculum. Vocabulary is also taught explicitly in every lesson. Key words and concepts are mapped out in this document. There are also opportunities for developing reading in Art.

In early years and KS1, plans are written following the end points and key concepts. This leads into a carefully tailored and sequenced curriculum taught in KS2, which has been developed pulling from resources such as Kapow and subject specialism from Secondary School colleagues in the Trust. This is enhanced with artefacts and disciplinary tasks so children have the opportunity to practice key art disciplinary concepts, such as artistic techniques, visual analysis, and the exploration of different artistic movements and styles.

Review and retrieval is a key part of every lesson. Quick quizzes and knowledge organisers are used to support this.

Our pupils represent an urban area of Coventry, and this is reflected through an inclusive, diverse curriculum, which is supported through additional extra-curricular focuses on events such as Art exhibitions and cultural celebrations.

The scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering focussed and engaging lessons which help to raise standards and allow all children to achieve to their full potential. This includes children of all abilities, social and cultural backgrounds, those with disabilities, EAL speakers and SEND statement and non-statemented.