Art
At Abbey Farm Educate Together, Art is an important part of developing our children’s ability to develop their individual creativity, express their ideas and understanding and to work both individually and collaboratively with others.
During their time at Abbey Farm ET, children will learn about a diverse range of artists and movements and will develop the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art. From year 1 our children follow the AccessArt scheme, we have seen an increase in both confidence and skillset already, both with children and staff. AccessArt are a unique institution and a charity with over 25 years of research.
Teachers use a progression of skills document when planning units, so that they can identify the skills children need to be taught and ensure the previous ones are embedded.
Progression of skills document
Within each unit the sequence of lessons includes:
- Generating ideas- children explore an artist in depth and use correct vocabulary to discuss and analyse works of art. They look at the artists use of tools, techniques and formal elements. In Key Stage 2 children will use a sketchbook to record their ideas and experiences and explore different versions of an idea.
- Making- Children use their own ideas and their knowledge of the artist and techniques explored to create their own artwork.
- Evaluating- children critique their own and others’ work.
The children’s learning is further enhanced with local projects that occur. Last year we were very proud to take part in the Swindon's The Big Dog Art Trail whilst the school also raised £500 for Julia's House. We were fortunate to work alongside local artist Marilyn Trew.
Our aim is to ensure that by the time children leave our school, they are confident in analysing artwork, feel a strong sense of achievement about their experiences of creating art and value the impact of art within our own lives.
