The Arts

The Arts (incorporating Art & Design and Music) at St. Paul's

At St Paul’s we value The Arts as an opportunity for all pupils to develop their curiosity and learn new ways to express themselves in a creative way.   Our close working links with an artist in residence, Tameside Cultural Services and Tameside Music Service allow us to provide children with cultural enrichment opportunities.  The children in our school are confident artists and performers who revel in the plentiful opportunities to share their learning with their families and wider school community.

We plan and teach The Arts in a topic-based approach using National Curriculum objectives. Summative assessment is completed at the end of each academic year by class teachers.  

Art

Intent

We offer art lessons to ensure pupils are taught the skills required to meet the aims of the national curriculum.  The intent is to ensure all pupils produce high quality creative and imaginative work.

Pupils can explore their ideas and record their experiences, as well as the work of others and evaluate different creative ideas.

Pupils will become confident in a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, sculpting, as well as other selected skills, e.g. collage, printing, weaving and patterns.

Pupils will also develop their knowledge of famous artists, designers and craft makers and know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

Pupils will develop their interest and curiosity about art and design through a series of lessons offering skills and knowledge progression.  

Art lessons will offer the chance for pupils to develop emotional expression to further enhance their personal, social & emotional development.

Implementation

Class Teachers work in collaboration with Julie, our resident artist, to plan and teach art lessons.

Teachers use planning and resources, provided by Julie, to teach other topics throughout the academic year.

Lessons develop techniques, including control and use of materials, with creativity, experimentation and an increasing awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.

Resources are ordered by the Arts Lead in consultation with the LT.

Impact

Art and Design has a high profile in school and is enjoyed by pupils and staff.  Pupil and teacher voice have been sought by the Arts Lead to ensure our offer continues to provide support and challenge.

All pupils in school speak confidently about their art and design work and their skills.

Teachers assess children using the national curriculum objectives and record if children are below, at, or working above national expected level.

Teachers have high expectations and pupil’s sketchbooks evidence progress.  Display boards around school celebrate achievements in Art and Design.

Music

Intent

We offer Music lessons to ensure pupils are taught the skills required to meet the aims of the national curriculum.  The intent is to ensure all pupils develop a love of music and grow in self-confidence.

Pupils can listen and critically engage with music by a range of composers, perform and compose music of their own.

Pupils will become confident to sing, to create and compose music on their own and with others, as well as have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.

Pupils will also develop their knowledge across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians.

Pupils will develop their interest and curiosity about music through a series of lessons offering skills and knowledge progression.  The progression grid will support class teachers to ensure progression of skills and knowledge.

Music lessons will offer the chance for pupils to develop creativity to further enhance their personal, social & emotional development.

Implementation

Class Teachers use Charanga Music planning and resources to teach music throughout the academic year.

The Charanga Music School Scheme provides lessons which encourage the development of musical skills as the learning progresses through listening and appraising, differing musical activities (including creating and exploring) and performing.

Resources are ordered by the Arts Lead in consultation with the LT.

Tameside Music Service provides curriculum enrichment through specialist music tuition when requested by teachers.

Impact

Music has a high profile in school and is enjoyed by pupils and staff.  Pupil and teacher voice have been sought by the Arts Lead to ensure offer continues to provide support and challenge.

Teachers assess children using I can statements based on national curriculum objectives as well as skills-based progress statements and record if children are below, at, or working above national expected level.

Teachers have high expectations and pupil’s performances in class, during assemblies and in key stage productions evidence this.