Art & Design

Art at Rickley Park

Intent

At Rickley Park Primary School, we believe that Art and Design should be fully inclusive and accessible to every child. We value Art and Design as a vital part of a broad and balanced curriculum, as outlined in the National Curriculum, because it enables pupils to develop their creativity, imagination and individual self-expression. Through high-quality art and design education, children learn to think critically, take risks, solve problems and evaluate their own and others’ work, building resilience and confidence. Art also helps pupils understand and appreciate different cultures, historical periods and artistic traditions, enabling them to make connections across subjects and develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. By engaging in a wide range of creative experiences, pupils at Rickley Park develop the skills, knowledge and vocabulary needed to become visually literate, reflective learners who can communicate ideas and emotions in meaningful and personal ways.

How we do Art at Rickley Park Primary School

At Rickley Park Primary School, we enhance Art and Design across our curriculum by providing children with a wide range of exciting, meaningful and creative learning experiences. Pupils explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, including paint, clay, collage, textiles, printing and digital media, enabling them to experiment, take risks and develop their own artistic style. Art is taught through imaginative and engaging themes such as Hakuna Matata and We Do Like to Be Beside the Seaside, which inspire curiosity, storytelling and links to the wider world. Children are introduced to key art vocabulary from an early age, such as texture, pattern, line, shape, tone and form, so they can talk confidently about their work and the work of others. Lessons are designed to be fun, inclusive and hands-on, encouraging creativity, collaboration and pride in achievement while helping every child to develop skills, confidence and a lifelong love of art.

How parents can support children at home

We believe that parents and carers play an important role in supporting children’s creativity at home. Families can help by encouraging children to draw, paint, build, cut, stick and create using everyday materials such as paper, cardboard, boxes, fabric and recycled items. Talking about colours, shapes, patterns and textures helps children develop their art vocabulary and confidence when explaining their ideas. Visiting galleries, museums, the seaside, parks or even looking at pictures and illustrations in books can inspire children’s imagination and give them new ideas to explore. Most importantly, praising effort, celebrating creativity and allowing children the freedom to experiment without worrying about being ‘perfect’ helps them to enjoy art and develop resilience, curiosity and self-expression. By making art fun, relaxed and part of everyday life, parents can help nurture a lifelong love of creativity.