At Fir Tree, The Arts play an important role in developing pupils' creativity, imagination, confidence and understanding of the world around them. Through Art & Design, Design & Technology and Music, pupils are given opportunities to explore ideas, express themselves, solve problems and develop their own creative responses.

We want pupils to develop both the knowledge and skills needed to become creative, thoughtful and increasingly independent practitioners. Our curriculum introduces pupils to a wide range of artistic, musical, creative and design experiences, while building their technical skills progressively over time.

The Arts also provide opportunities for pupils to explore different cultures, traditions, ideas and perspectives. Through encountering the work of artists, designers, musicians and other creative practitioners, pupils develop an appreciation of creativity and its place within society.

We aim for pupils to develop the confidence to experiment, take creative risks, evaluate their work and learn from mistakes. We value the process of creating as much as the final outcome and encourage pupils to develop their own ideas while learning to use materials, techniques, instruments and technologies with increasing control and independence.

By the end of Year 6, pupils should have developed a broad range of creative experiences, a secure foundation of artistic, musical and design knowledge, and the confidence to continue exploring and enjoying The Arts beyond primary school.

Subject Implementation

The Arts curriculum comprises three closely related but distinct disciplines: Art & Design, Design & Technology and Music. Each subject has its own progression of knowledge and skills while contributing to our wider ambition for pupils to be creative, expressive and confident learners.

Art and Design

Art & Design is taught through a balance of three short terms of Art and three short terms of Design & Technology each year. We use the AccessArt Split Primary Art Curriculum to support the planning and progression of Art & Design.

Pupils develop skills and knowledge across three broad areas:

• Drawing and Sketchbooks
• Surface and Colour
• Working in Three Dimensions

Pupils are encouraged to experiment with materials, techniques and processes, develop ideas through sketchbooks and evaluate and refine their work. They encounter the work of a range of artists and are encouraged to make connections between their own work and the work of others.

Design Technology

Design & Technology enables pupils to become creative problem-solvers who can design, make and evaluate purposeful products. We use Kapow as a planning and resource framework to support progression across the subject.

Pupils develop knowledge and skills across areas including:

• Cooking and Nutrition
• Electrical Systems
• Mechanisms and Mechanical Systems
• Structures
• Textiles
• Digital World

The design process is central to learning. Pupils investigate existing products, develop and communicate ideas, select appropriate materials and techniques, make purposeful products and evaluate their effectiveness. As they progress through the school, pupils become increasingly independent in making design decisions and refining their work.

Music

Music is taught using Kapow as a planning and resource framework, supplemented by opportunities for musical appreciation, singing and performance.

Pupils develop the interrelated dimensions of music, including pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, texture, structure and timbre, through performing, listening and composing.

Across the year, pupils experience a combination of structured musical learning and musical appreciation, including listening to music from Western classical traditions, popular music and musical traditions from around the world.

Singing is an important part of musical life at Fir Tree, with pupils receiving weekly singing opportunities supported by a professional singing coach. Pupils also have opportunities to perform and share their musical learning with others.

Subject Overview

Across the school, The Arts are enriched through opportunities to encounter creative work beyond the classroom. Where appropriate, pupils engage with professional artists and musicians, performances, galleries, museums and other cultural experiences.

The Arts also contribute to wider curriculum learning. Pupils may use artistic and design skills to respond to their learning in history, geography or science, while music, performance and creative expression provide opportunities to develop confidence, communication and collaboration.

Assessment and Measuring Progress

Assessment across The Arts is primarily ongoing and formative. Teachers use observation, questioning, discussion, practical work, performances, sketchbooks and finished products to identify pupils' developing knowledge and skills.

Assessment considers both the creative process and the final outcome. Teachers look for evidence that pupils can:

• develop and communicate creative ideas;
• use materials, techniques, instruments and equipment with increasing control;
• apply subject-specific vocabulary and knowledge;
• experiment, make creative decisions and take appropriate risks;
• refine and improve their work;
• evaluate their own work and respond to feedback;
• make connections between their work and the work of artists, designers and musicians;
• perform, compose and listen with increasing confidence in Music; and
• work independently and collaboratively.

In Art & Design and Design & Technology, pupils' sketchbooks, designs, practical processes and finished work provide evidence of progression. In Music, teachers assess pupils' development through performing, composing, listening and their understanding of musical vocabulary and concepts.

Assessment is used to identify skills and knowledge that require further development and to inform subsequent teaching. Progress is measured through the increasing control, confidence, creativity, technical understanding and independence demonstrated by pupils over time.

By the end of Year 6, pupils should have developed a broad and balanced understanding of The Arts, with the knowledge, skills and confidence to express ideas creatively, appreciate the work of others and continue to participate in artistic, musical and design experiences.