Art at Walkington Primary School

At Walkington Primary School, we want our children to develop and cultivate a deep-rooted love of art. By learning from examples taken from studying a range of real-life artists, architects and designers (both past and present), experimenting with different styles and working with a variety of materials, we hope to impart the knowledge and skills necessary for the children to become creative, reflective and inventive artists who enjoy and are fully engaged in the process of producing art from initial sketches through to finished products.

We study a varied curriculum which is carefully planned to build on knowledge year by year and covers the seven elements of art (colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space) through the use of the different art, craft and design techniques of drawing, painting, sculpture etc. As the children progress through the school, they will develop increasingly more control over their art as well as a deeper understanding of this subject, leading them to emerge as more critical thinkers and having the confidence and resilience to revisit and review their ideas in their sketchbooks.

“Art is everywhere, and everywhere is art,” as Brandon Boyd said, so at its core, we see our art curriculum as an opportunity for our children to fully develop and explore their own individual creativity. By having an increasing awareness about the historical and cultural development of art form, the children will come to understand how art ‘contributes to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation’ (National Curriculum 2014) and that of other nations. It is well-known how art can be used to help communicate feelings, boost self-esteem and provide an outlet for individual expression and although we may concentrate on particular styles, we actively encourage the children to produce their own distinctive pieces of art which are celebrated for their uniqueness.

The school recognises that each pupil will be at a different point in terms of their understanding of art by the time they transition to KS3; however we are committed to providing a learning pathway which is inclusive of everyone irrespective of abilities.

This intention also aligns closely with our aim of promoting the “Global Competencies” outlined by the OECD.

“Teachers plan interesting activities that motivate the pupils. Staff ensure that all pupils are valued and included in learning.”

Ofsted comments

“The profile of sport has been raised and more pupils now compete in sporting
activities.”

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“Teachers use their good subject knowledge to plan interesting tasks that engage
pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“By the end of Year 6, outcomes are high in reading and writing. In reading, they are
particularly high.”

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“Staff welcome the professional development they receive and say that this makes a real difference to the quality of their teaching.”

Ofsted comments

“Parents and carers who offered their views to inspectors were overwhelmingly positive about the experiences of their children.”

Ofsted comments

“Governors have a good understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses and
are clear about priorities and plans for improvement.”

Ofsted comments

“From the moment pupils enter the school each day, they are greeted with respect and a genuine sense of care from the adults in the building.”

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“Pupils behave well and are polite, articulate and respectful.”

Ofsted comments

“The quality of teaching at Walkington Primary is underpinned by warm and caring
relationships between staff and pupils.”

Ofsted comments

“The passionate and effective leadership of senior leaders and the commitment of the staff have sustained the good quality of education at the school.”

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“In all key stages, pupils are now making good progress from their starting points in reading, writing and mathematics.”

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“The school’s welcoming and caring ethos is central to its work in raising standards for
pupils.”

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“Governors are ambitious for the school. They challenge and support leaders effectively.”

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“Adults give pupils
opportunities to share ideas and challenge their own thinking and this helps them to articulate their opinions with confidence.”

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“The school is a calm, orderly and purposeful place for pupils to make the most of their learning.”

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“In mathematics lessons, resources are used well to enable pupils to visualise abstract ideas and to get a more secure understanding of number.”

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“Exciting activities, such as visits to places of worship, generate high levels of
interest and curiosity about the themes that pupils are studying.”

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“Effective safeguarding procedures are in place. All staff have a clear understanding of how to keep pupils safe.”

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“The broad curriculum provides a wide range of enriching experiences for pupils.”

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“Improvements in the teaching of mathematics have helped to increase pupils’ progress and improve pupils’ ability to solve mathematical
problems.”

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“Learning in early years gets off to a good start. As a result of effective teaching and provision, children progress well from their starting points.”

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“The school’s work to promote pupils’ personal development and welfare is outstanding.”

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“Pupils listen to the opinions of others and are keen to offer their views considerately and respectfully.”

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“Older pupils develop a good understanding of what they read. Leaders promote a love of reading and pupils say the school provides them with high-quality texts.”

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“Staff encourage pupils to be resilient and take risks. Pupils know it is all right to get things wrong and that this is part of the process of learning.”

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“The teaching of reading is good. There is a consistent approach to the teaching of
phonics.”

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“Good teaching through early years and in key stage 1 ensures that the proportion of pupils passing the Year 1 phonics screening check is consistently above average.”

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“Leaders are well trained and use their knowledge of special educational needs to identify specific requirements at an early stage and provide timely support.”

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