Art and Design & Technology

Why do we teach Art and DT?

Art

Our intention at Rowanfield, is to value Art as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum.  It is our belief that all children should have equal access to the Arts so they may foster a lifelong love and ability to express themselves creatively.

We strive for an art curriculum that equips children with the knowledge and techniques of drawing, painting, printing and sculpture enabling them to confidently experiment, design and create their own works of art.  The children have the opportunity to explore a wide range of media in an environment that encourages taking risks. The children learn to use the language of an artist to become effective evaluators and reflective thinkers.

Children at RIJS experience Art from different cultures and periods throughout history including modern day and local artists.  We aim to provide the children with enrichment opportunities; through workshops led by artists, working closely with local businesses on collaborative projects for the community and by maintaining links with the art department at the local secondary school to build on the cultural capital of pupils, enabling them to develop a better understanding of their own and others’ cultural heritages while using subject specific vocabulary to express themselves.

At RIJS, we want our children to show aspiration in Art.  Staff nurture curiosity, creativity and self-expression alongside resilience, confidence and critical thinking so that pupils understand they are all artists without limitations.

Design Technology 

Design Technology should prepare children to deal with tomorrow’s rapidly changing world.  It is our aspiration that children become increasingly confident innovators and resilient risk-takers who, over time, develop and demonstrate resourceful, entrepreneurial qualities - such as working as individuals or as part of a team. 

We provide the children with the vocabulary, associated with the skills and techniques of DT, so that they may become increasingly articulate.   They should understand that a career in Technology is possible and that their designs could make a real difference.

We strive for a Design Technology curriculum that is inspiring and practical.  It is knowledge driven - drawing upon disciplines from other subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Computing and the Arts in order to make meaningful links and connections.

Through meaningful enrichment opportunities, such as workshops at the local secondary school or from visiting specialists along with links forged with other subjects as part of STEM week, the children should be inspired by engineers, designers, chefs and architects to create a range of structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food products which have a real-life purpose.

Children are encouraged to use their imaginations and think creatively to design, develop and make products that solve problems.  Our children celebrate successes, whilst demonstrating an ability to reflect and evaluate their products and those people or ideas they have studied.

What do we teach in Art and DT?

Art & DT 2024-25

Gallery

Useful links and resources

Tate Kids  Introduced children to different artists and famous art pieces as well as ideas to try at home  

Art Primary Resources | National Geographic Kids (natgeokids.com)  Contains lots of art and craft activities for your child to have a go at and also teaches how to use different art resources.   

Craft Ideas For Kids | Hobbycraft  Hobbycraft have a section for crafty kids who can have a go at making some crafts.  This is a fantastic page organised by age.   

Art for Kids Hub - YouTube  Is a family YouTube channel which offers short instructional videos for children to draw a variety of things.