Art
The children at Downham Feoffees Primary Academy love being creative. Each class is named after a famous artist (which were chosen and voted for by the children through our active School Council), which the children research and study during the first week of each autumn term. By studying particular artists and their styles, the children will develop an exciting and diverse range of artistic skills. They will be given the opportunity to work with a wide selection of media including but not limited to: pencils, clay, pastels and a range of paints. All pupils are provided with an art journal to showcase their work and show the progression of their taught skills.
Our Arts curriculum is varied and can look very different in classrooms throughout our academy, from events planned and activities taught using different arts media, to reading texts about different areas pertaining to The Arts, to hands-on activities, workshops, visits to museums and different arts venues, plus online virtual experiences.
We believe The Arts reaches and includes every child, regardless of academic ability and socioeconomic backgrounds, therefore allowing all children to experience, reach and gain successes. Valuable knowledge, skills and understanding is taught through a wide variety of creative arts-based activities and experiences which helps the children to make clear links and connections with the world around them, which in turn further prepares them for their future successes. Opening the doors and the children’s thoughts for life beyond primary school and their own locality, whilst holding dear their primary school years and their local community, truly increases and extends the opportunities, experiences and horizons available.
We recognise that The Arts promotes self-expression and is fundamental in developing the children’s knowledge, skills and well-being. Providing children with the opportunity to take part in performance, singing, dance, gymnastics, class and school gatherings, as well as clubs, workshops and visits positively impacts on their well-being, happiness, confidence and self-esteem.
Our Art curriculum is designed to engage, inspire and challenge our children. At Downham Feoffees Primary Academy, we teach the appropriate knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create. They are provided with opportunities to gain an understanding of art and design and reflect on how it shapes our history and contributes to culture, creativity and wealth of the nation.
We aim to provide a range of skill sets and cultural experiences through different media, such as: visitors from arts groups and performance/dance groups, musicians, workshops, authors, visits and links to theatres, arts trails, concert halls, museums, galleries, multi-arts venues, plus by participating in and holding various competitions and events, both near and further afield.
For example: The children learn about some of the jobs available in the wider world. A recent discussion within one class about women not being allowed to be artists in the 20th century opened up discussions about job opportunities, expectations and equalities for all. A shadow puppeteer’s presentation sparked the children’s ideas of what a puppeteer was like in days gone by, which led to discussion about artefacts, customs and traditions. During collective gatherings, the children listen to different genres of music - broadening their idea of what music is and their appreciation of different aspects.
The children are taught and encouraged to question, reason and apply critical thinking skills such as observation, analysis, interpretation, reflection, evaluation, inference, explanation, problem solving, and decision making whilst carrying out different activities. Teaching and learning inspires the children to converse with their talk partners, their peers and the staff, as well as reflecting by themselves both within lessons and during the school day.
Each year group explores different areas of The Arts and different arts media throughout the academic year. The children are introduced to a range of resources, vocabulary and experiences which keeps learning engaging and enjoyable. Teachers aim to make relevant links across the curriculum to ensure that teaching and learning is pertinent, meaningful and accessible for all children within a range of subject areas linked to their arts topic and activities including English, maths, science, the foundations subjects including World Views and Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE), as well as within the natural environment. PSHE and British Values are threaded and promoted throughout planning, teaching and learning. This cohesive approach leads the children to enjoy and discover new experiences and opportunities which in turn inspires and equips them with the knowledge, skills and aspirations to shape how they, and we, live in our rapidly changing society.
When our students leave DFPA, they will have experienced many different areas of The Arts - fostering a building knowledge of artists, media, techniques and timelines. We view The Arts as something that every child should be given the opportunity to enjoy. We strongly believe that art plays an integral part in children’s social, moral and cultural development. We want to create a school of budding artists where the children feel proud of their artwork. We do this by teaching The Arts in fun and creative ways, to ensure children are always engaged with the topic. We teach key artistic skills that the children can practice throughout their time at school.