Intent

At Field Lane, our objective is to cultivate confident artists, craftspeople, and designers of tomorrow. Our art and design curriculum engages, inspires, and challenges learners, providing them with the knowledge and skills to innovate and create.  Aligned with our S.T.A.R. values—Strength, Togetherness, Aspirations, and Responsibility—our curriculum aims to promote self-expression, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of the elements of art and design. Children take their experiences of the world and transform them through art, making new connections and relationships. We encourage students to reflect on and evaluate their work, fostering a growth mindset that emphasises persistence and growth. By exposing students to a diverse range of artists and cultural influences, we aim to enrich their cultural awareness and help them recognise the significance of art in both contemporary and historical contexts.

Aims

•  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.

The Change Project

Implementation

In the Early Years, we enhance children's understanding of art through Expressive Arts. Children explore various mediums and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form, and function. Our well-equipped creative spaces, both indoors and outdoors, offer daily opportunities for creative expression. Children are encouraged to develop their communication and language skills by discussing their creations and sharing them with others, fostering confidence and self-assurance.

The Art and Design Curriculum from Year 1 to 6 is broadly based on the National Curriculum, and is enhanced using resources from the National Society for Education in Art and Design (NSEAD) and AccessArt pathways which provide additional depth. Drawing, painting, printing, collage, digital art, textiles, and sculpture are studied over a two-year cycle, integrating the elements of line, colour, texture, pattern, shape, space, and form, and building upon these concepts to enhance students' understanding and skills.

Skills and knowledge are taught in discrete sessions and practised within Smart Time, when students can experiment with techniques, processes, and materials further. This hands-on approach enables them to apply their knowledge and skills in practical contexts and across the curriculum. Each child is provided with a sketchbook to document their inquiries, explorations with materials and techniques, and critical thinking.

We explore the influence of time and culture on art by studying prominent and diverse local, national, and international artists. This holistic approach encourages students to express themselves by studying the work of others, offering opportunities to collaborate with professional artists. 

We are a lead school in the Change Project, where artists and engineers collaborate to create inspirational works of art grounded in science. Our school has also partnered with textile artists in the Kirklees wide Woven Project, and collaborated with scientists from Leeds University to explore viruses through sculpture and augmented reality. In addition, our BMAT high school students showcase their work within the school premises to spark creativity and innovation.

Teachers hold high expectations for all students and tailor their teaching to accommodate diverse needs, ensuring every student can access the curriculum. They use inclusive high quality teaching to meet the needs of all pupils through an adapted curriculum. This includes supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with special educational needs (SEN). Further information can be found in our statement of equality information and objectives, and in our SEN policy and information report.

Working with wire artist, Helaina Sharpley

Impact

Our curriculum strives to nurture enthusiastic and creative artists and designers, evidenced through student feedback, finished projects, and sketchbooks. Student progress is evaluated through: 

• discussions on artistic decisions, 
• ability to identify the artistic elements, 
• willingness to experiment and improvise, 
• ability to focus and realise their artistic vision,
• recognising how their work is connected to the work of significant artists
• assessing how children record their ideas and experiments in their art sketchbooks

Summative assessments conducted throughout the year aid teachers in tracking progress and achievement, guiding future lessons to provide appropriate support and challenge. This comprehensive approach ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, can reach their full potential in Art and Design, embodying our S.T.A.R. values and evolving into creative, responsible, and culturally aware individuals.

Y12 learners from Batley Girls High School exhibit their work to inspire our young artists