Art and Design & Technology (DT)

Art

Art is mainly taught at Sandfield as part of a discrete curriculum, but is also occasionally linked to theme days and other curriculum subjects. Cross curricular units are carefully planned to ensure that the children are able to develop the skills and knowledge outlined in the national curriculum, but also to reflect the interests and values of the school community.

We teach Art and design so that it engages and challenges pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. Pupils will also learn how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation.

We aim for all pupils to:

• produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences in a variety of ways
• become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
• evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
• Know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

In the summer term, we hold our annual whole-school themed art exhibition, when the school hall is converted into an art gallery for a week. Our exhibition theme last year was based on the natural environment. Families have the opportunity to purchase framed copies of their child’s art work.

Design & Technology (DT)

We believe that the skills that our children learn through their Design and Technology (DT) lessons are vital for their development. Using creativity and imagination, children design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of needs, wants and values. They develop a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as maths, science, engineering, computing and art.

Children will learn to take risks, and become resourceful, innovative and enterprising citizens of the future. Through the evaluation of past and present design technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

Design and technology is taught through discrete lessons where appropriate links can be made. In the new DT curriculum, there is now a focus on cooking and nutrition. As part of their DT lessons across each year there will be cooking opportunities. Through this work with food, pupils should be taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking, and teaching them the skills with which to do it, will prepare them to feed themselves and others in an affordable manner throughout their lives.

Useful website links for Art & DT: