Belleville Wix Academy

Art

All children have the right to an excellent and rigorous art education.

Art is taught discretely, with an ambitious and exciting curriculum which balances the development of artistic skills with building language, knowledge and understanding to enable art appreciation. Art lessons are provided by our resident artists from Lavender Leonardos and give all pupils the opportunity to explore their creativity and imagination and express their ideas.

Art is taught as an expressive means of communication, that builds confidence and creative thinking, and values originality.

We are proud that: 

  • Our artwork is striking in its range and quality and is celebrated through displays around the school.
  • Visitors to the school regularly comment on the high standard of the artwork.
  • Pupils are encouraged to enter art competitions and apply for art scholarships.
  • Local artists and crafts people come into school to work with the pupils.
  • The art used as a starting point reflects a wide range of classical and modern artists and styles from diverse backgrounds.

Have a look at some of the pupils' work in our art gallery. 

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The core elements of our curriculum are built into every project:

Generating and developing ideas: A sketchbook is used to plan for an outcome, develop and inform ideas and record observations. The sketchbook approach allows refining, research and honing of ideas as well as reflections on finished work.

Making: Investigating the nature of materials and techniques allows the pupil to independently and confidently gain mastery and control to make choices that realise their intentions. The pupils develop skills and knowledge of art materials in carefully constructed artist led experiences.

Appreciating: Through appreciation of great artworks, learning how to evaluate and analyse, using the language of art, craft and design, the pupils develop critical and creative thinking. Their knowledge and experience enables them to make reasoned evaluations of their own work. Looking at the work of a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers from all cultures and times develops understanding of the key ideas and working practices as well as developing an appreciation of diversity, culture and history.

Pupils will learn:

  • Drawing and mark-making
  • Painting and Colour Theory
  • 3D Form
  • Collage
  • Print-Making

Art is well-resourced and valued by all stakeholders in the school community. Our PTA support us to share our art in an annual themed exhibition. 

In Early Years Foundation Stage, Art is part of the curriculum on a daily basis. The Early Years team develop pupils' understanding of key skills such as painting, colouring, collage and 3D modelling through hands on experiences. These experiences are cross-curricular and are related to the pupil’s topic or story of the week. When the pupils transition to later Key Stages, these important skills provide a good foundation for future learning.

In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, we have resident artists who teach pupils a wide variety of skills as they progress through the school. In KS1, pupils spend time exploring shape, form, space, colour and texture, whilst in KS2, the pupils move on to investigating visual and tactile qualities in materials and processes. Pupils are taught a range of skills and techniques which build year on year including: drawing, painting, collage, textiles, sculpture, printing and experimenting with a variety of materials. Expert teachers lead our pupils through an exploration of art, both past and present, in turn inspiring them to craft a range of work both inspired and inspirational. We follow the National Curriculum for Art and make meaningful links with other areas of learning in carefully designed lessons.

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Download our Art Curriculum Progression Overview.