Why Do We Teach Art?
At Great Corby School and Nursery, we believe that art enables children to explore, discover and learn about themselves, their community and the wider world. Through creativity, curiosity and self-expression, children develop confidence in their own ideas, learn to communicate through a range of artistic forms and gain an appreciation of the creativity of others.
Set within the beautiful Eden Valley, we are fortunate to be surrounded by landscapes, nature and a rich artistic heritage that inspire our learning. Our art curriculum has been carefully developed to build children's knowledge, skills and understanding over time. Drawing upon specialist expertise and our unique local context, we provide opportunities for children to engage with local artists, environments and creative traditions, helping them make meaningful connections between their learning and the world around them.
We believe that great art education extends beyond the classroom. Through visits, visitors, enrichment opportunities and creative experiences within our local community, we encourage children to see themselves as artists and understand the important role creativity plays in the wider world.
We want every child to see themselves as an artist: curious, imaginative, willing to experiment and confident in expressing their own ideas.
Explore
Children explore a wide range of materials, techniques, artists and forms of artistic expression. Through observation, experimentation and first-hand experiences, they are encouraged to investigate, take creative risks and develop confidence in their own artistic choices.
From sketching in the local environment to creating artwork inspired by Forest School, children learn that art can be found everywhere around them.
Discover
Children discover how artists, designers and craftspeople communicate ideas, feelings and experiences through their work. They learn about artists from different cultures, periods and backgrounds whilst developing an appreciation of both local and global artistic influences.
Through discussion, reflection and evaluation, children discover that creativity can take many different forms and that there is often more than one way to express an idea.
Learn
Children learn the knowledge, vocabulary and practical skills needed to become confident artists. Through drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, craft and mixed media, they develop increasing control, independence and creativity as they progress through school.
They learn to generate ideas, use sketchbooks effectively, refine techniques and evaluate their work, recognising that perseverance and reflection are important parts of the creative process.
What Does Art Look Like at Great Corby?
Art is a valued and visible part of school life at Great Corby. Children are given regular opportunities to create, experiment and develop their artistic skills both within and beyond the classroom.
Our curriculum develops learning through four key areas:
- Drawing
- Painting and Mixed Media
- Sculpture and 3D
- Craft and Design
Throughout these areas, children continually develop their ability to:
- Generate and develop ideas
- Use sketchbooks to record, experiment and refine their thinking
- Apply artistic techniques and formal elements
- Learn about artists, craftspeople and designers
- Evaluate and improve their work
- Develop independence and confidence as creative learners
Sketchbooks play an important role within our curriculum. They provide children with a personal space to explore ideas, experiment with materials, practise techniques and reflect upon their artistic journey. We encourage children to understand that great artwork grows through curiosity, experimentation and refinement.
Our curriculum is enriched through opportunities to work with artists and creative practitioners, allowing children to experience different artistic processes and gain insight into creative careers and pathways.
Where possible, children experience art first-hand through visits to galleries, museums and exhibitions linked to their learning. These opportunities help children make meaningful connections between the artwork they study, their class topics and the wider world beyond school.
The beautiful environment surrounding our school also provides regular inspiration. Through Forest School, outdoor learning and observational drawing, children learn to appreciate and respond creatively to the landscapes, wildlife and natural beauty of our local area.
Creativity extends beyond timetabled lessons. Children can access a range of artistic opportunities through enrichment activities, after-school clubs and OPAL playtimes, where imagination, creativity and self-expression are encouraged through open-ended exploration and play.
What Do Children Gain From Art?
By the time children leave Great Corby School and Nursery, they will have developed:
• Creativity and imagination
• Confidence in expressing their own ideas
• Technical artistic skills and knowledge
• An appreciation of artists, craftspeople and designers
• The ability to evaluate and improve their work
• Resilience and perseverance when developing creative outcomes
• An understanding of how art reflects and shapes the world around us
• A sense of pride in their own creative achievements
• A lifelong appreciation of creativity and the arts
Most importantly, children will know that art is not about producing identical outcomes. It is about exploring ideas, discovering possibilities and learning to express themselves with confidence, individuality and pride.
