Art at Farnborough Grange

Intent

At Farnborough Grange Infant and Nursery school we want Art to be loved and enjoyed by all children, irrespective of background or ability. We want to instill a love of learning, and teach all children to develop a true understanding and appreciation of visual arts.

We will teach our children a broad range of skills and techniques that they will then be able to use independently, allowing them to confidently explore and experiment with new ideas producing final pieces of work that showcase their ability. They will use colour, texture, pattern, different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think. Our children will learn about artists from a variety of backgrounds, helping to develop their cultural knowledge and their descriptive and emotive language.

We intend for all children to leave our school with a secure set of skills, having had good quality experiences in all areas of Art and Design. We hope they feel confident in their artistic ability. 

Implementation

At Farnborough Grange Nursery and Infant School we implement this by using the National Curriculum guidance teamed with our own creative planning to enable the children to enjoy a curriculum rich with lots of cross curricular chances to be creative.

In Reception children develop confidence and control using a range of equipment and materials. They are taught the basic skills of how to hold a paint brush and blend colours, but also how to enjoy using sponges and string to create exciting effects. The children are encouraged to enjoy Art by painting from imagination and observation and by enjoying the work of dynamic artists like Kandinsky and Jackson Pollack and the magical art of the indigenous people of Australia.

In Year One children build on their skills to develop more control and to understand the use of shading and tone. They experience different media such as charcoal, graphite sticks and coloured pencils and the properties of a range of paint including watercolour and acrylics. The children continue to communicate their imaginative ideas, while taking inspiration from artists such as Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keefe and Henri Rousseau.

In Year Two children are encouraged to produce more detailed work that includes pattern and texture. They will use fine felt tip pens and digital media, but also, more unusual drawing tools such as feathers and straws. There will be more emphasis on identifying and choosing the correct equipment and media for the tasks. Bold and colourful artists such as Jean Michel Basquiat and Roy Lichtenstein will inspire the children to communicate their ideas with more confidence and flair.