Art Intent:
At The Federation of Longhorsley and Whalton C of E Schools, we prioritise nurturing creativity and innovation in our children through hands-on learning experiences. In the Early Years, children embark on a journey of exploration with various materials, setting the stage for their artistic endeavours. They immerse themselves in designing and creating with recycled, malleable, and natural materials, both indoors and outdoors.
Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum guidelines for Art across Key Stages 1 and 2, outlining the essential art-related skills children should acquire during their lessons. We provide ample opportunities for creativity in how these skills are developed and applied.
Alongside technical skills, our art curriculum also fosters an appreciation for spirituality in art. Children explore the expressive and emotive aspects of art, reflecting on its deeper meanings and connections to culture and spirituality.
Furthermore, students engage in the study of artists, examining the works of famous artists and drawing inspiration from diverse artistic styles and movements.
At our school, children engage in a diverse range of activities that ignite their artistic passions, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and exploring different art mediums. These hands-on experiences not only impart valuable artistic skills but also nurture creativity, expression, and appreciation for the arts.
We are committed to preparing our children to extend their artistic talents beyond the classroom. Whether they’re creating masterpieces at home, participating in community art projects, or exploring potential careers in the arts, our children are equipped to confidently express themselves and engage with the world through their artistic abilities.
Design Technology Intent:
At The Federation of Longhorsley and Whalton C of E Schools, we believe in nurturing creativity and innovation in our children through hands-on learning experiences. In the Early Years, children explore various materials to prepare for the primary design and technology curriculum. They engage in designing and making activities using recycled, malleable, and natural materials, both indoors and outdoors. We follow the National Curriculum guidelines for Design and Technology in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Our curriculum outlines the skills children should acquire during their DT lessons, and allows room for creativity in how these skills are developed and applied.
Our teaching of Design and Technology is based on three key components:
Design – Children design purposeful, functional, innovative products for themselves and other users based on design criteria. Children generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology.
Make – Children select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing].
Children also select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics.
Evaluate – Children explore and evaluate a range of existing products as well as evaluating their own ideas and products against design criteria.
Children at our school have the opportunity to learn through a variety of engaging activities, including cooking, electronics, outdoor exploration and product design. These hands-on experiences not only teach valuable skills but also foster creativity, problem-solving and resilience.
We believe in preparing children to apply their skills beyond the classroom. Whether they’re cooking at home, gardening, participating in community projects, or exploring future career paths, our children are equipped to confidently tackle real-world challenges.
