Art and Design

Intent

At Lenthall Infant and Nursery School, we are committed to the education of the whole child. The development of art and design skills enables personal fulfilment and satisfaction. Art can bring pleasure and boost self-esteem, while also developing fine motor skills, cognitive growth, and language abilities.

Art is a highly valued aspect of our curriculum. We strive to develop each child’s confidence and enjoyment in Art and Design through a range of activities. By incorporating a rich variety of media and techniques, we encourage children to express their ideas, thoughts, and feelings.

Our school highlights inspirational artists, providing children with a broader understanding of the art world and fostering a culture of awe, wonder, and curiosity among our young learners. At Lenthall Infant and Nursery School, we aim to build on prior knowledge to develop new skills, deepening learning by systematically layering new knowledge onto existing foundations.

Impact

Art at Lenthall Infant and Nursery School is assessed using the following.

• Informal judgements by staff during lessons
• Immediate next steps are provided via verbal feedback.
• Pupil and peer assessments.
• Formal skills and assessment checklists.

At the end of each art unit, teachers make a summary judgement about the work each pupil has completed in relation to the success criteria. The art subject leader monitors progress and attainment on a termly basis through a triangulation of the data, evidence in books, and through children’s voice.

Our Ultimate End Goal

What will our artists and designers be able to do when they leave us?

By the end of their learning journey at Lenthall Infant and Nursery School, our artists and designers will have built a solid foundation of knowledge enabling them to engage confidently in creative work. They will have explored a wide range of art, craft, and design techniques, enjoying rich opportunities to develop their skills and mastery of various materials and processes.

They will appreciate the importance of experimentation, feeling empowered to take risks and learn from mistakes, understanding that, in art, the process often holds more value than the final product. They will confidently express their individuality through art, recognising that creativity manifests uniquely in each person. They will value the work of artists and designers, understanding its contribution to the world around us, and will be familiar with the works of influential artists and designers, including those within our local environment.