Art
Catholic Social Teaching in Art
At St Gabriel’s, Art provides children with meaningful opportunities to explore and express the values of Catholic Social Teaching through creativity, reflection and discussion. Through studying artists, creating artwork and responding to the world around them, pupils develop an understanding of human dignity, justice, community and stewardship.
Children create artwork that celebrates the uniqueness and worth of every person, explore themes of inclusion and respect, and learn about artists who have used their work to promote social justice. Collaborative projects help pupils understand the importance of participation, teamwork and the common good, while opportunities to respond to local and global issues encourage solidarity and compassion.
Through nature-based art and the use of sustainable materials, pupils learn about their responsibility to care for God's creation. By engaging with diverse artists, cultures and perspectives, children develop empathy, appreciation and a deeper understanding of their role in building a fairer and more peaceful world.
Through Art, we encourage our pupils to use their God-given talents to inspire, communicate and make a positive difference within their communities and beyond.
St Gabriel’s Art Curriculum – Intent, Implementation and Impact
Art Intent
At St Gabriel's Catholic Primary School, we believe that every child is an artist, created uniquely by God and capable of creativity, imagination and self-expression. We value Art and Design as an essential part of a broad and balanced curriculum and recognise its role in developing confidence, resilience, critical thinking and personal expression.
Through our art curriculum, we aim to inspire a love of creativity and an appreciation of the visual arts. We want children to enjoy art, value their own achievements and respect the work of others. Pupils develop their understanding of the elements of art, including line, tone, colour, texture, pattern, shape, form and space, whilst becoming increasingly proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture, printing, textiles and other artistic disciplines.
We encourage children to explore, experiment and take creative risks, recording ideas from both first-hand experiences and imagination. Through studying a diverse range of artists, craftspeople and designers from different cultures and periods of history, pupils develop an understanding of how art reflects and shapes the world around us. We strive to ensure that all children leave St Gabriel's with the confidence to express their ideas and feelings creatively and with a lifelong appreciation of art and design.
Implementation
At St Gabriel's, Art and Design is taught through the Access Art Primary Art Curriculum, which provides a rich, ambitious and progressive programme of learning. Lessons are carefully sequenced to build knowledge, skills and understanding over time, ensuring clear progression throughout the school.
Children develop practical skills across a wide range of artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles and mixed media. Learning is underpinned by the study of formal elements of art and supported through regular opportunities to experiment, investigate and refine techniques.
Sketchbooks play a central role in the artistic process, enabling children to record observations, develop ideas, reflect on their learning and celebrate their creative journey. Pupils are encouraged to make independent creative choices and to evaluate their own work and that of others using increasingly sophisticated artistic vocabulary.
Our curriculum introduces children to a diverse range of artists, designers and makers, helping them to understand the historical, cultural and social significance of art. Opportunities are also provided for art to enrich and complement learning across the wider curriculum while maintaining its status as a subject in its own right.
Impact
By the time they leave St Gabriel's, children will be confident, enthusiastic and reflective artists who enjoy creating and are proud of their achievements. They will have developed a secure understanding of artistic techniques, processes and vocabulary and will be able to apply these skills independently and creatively.
Pupils will demonstrate progression through their sketchbooks and finished pieces, showing increasing confidence in experimenting, refining and evaluating their work. They will be able to discuss artists, styles and artistic concepts with understanding and curiosity, recognising the contribution that art makes to culture and society.
Children's work will reflect creativity, imagination and individuality. Through celebrating artistic achievements across the school, pupils learn to value their own work, respect the work of others and recognise their God-given talents.
They leave St Gabriel's with a strong appreciation of the arts and the confidence to continue their creative journey beyond primary school.
