Hello, I am Mrs Radford and I co-ordinate art at Hayfield Lane Primary School

The intention of the Hayfield Lane teaching and learning in art, is to ensure we have the most relevant, rich and exciting curriculum for our pupils, with the National Curriculum at its heart. By the end of their journey with us, our pupils will be thoughtful and creative decision makers, knowledge rich in artists, designers and makers, and they will be proudly confident of their artistic skills and understanding.

Our teachers inspire pupils through high quality teaching in a wide range of outcomes and are supported in their CPD so that they too, feel confident and understand their part in the whole journey. Our aim is that all pupils will experience a myriad of artistic expressions and that as a result, they will find a way to express how they feel or the message they want to convey. Over time, their language skills will develop through art appreciation and discussion using relevant vocabulary and talking points.

In addition, the intention is that the profile of art will be raised through clubs, an art council and visits to galleries to see the work of artists, both current and past.

Our curriculum intent is to inspire the thinking of our pupils and where possible it will link to a local context or our community, or our reading and other curriculum areas. Our curriculum is designed to progressively move from the EYFS curriculum aims where pupils gain control of their motor skills and begin to talk about their opinions and ideas. Through to Year 6 where we expect them to be more independent in their outcomes, choosing their medium and materials with knowledge and decisive / critical thinking.

But also... art is good for you!

Art has an impact on brain wave patterns, your emotions, the nervous system, and can actually raise serotonin levels. Research has proven the arts can benefit fine motor skills and improved emotional balance. Having the opportunity to study art skills through a well-balanced and well-designed curriculum will benefit an individual in many different ways, for their entire life.

In a list of 10 skills needed for the future workplace, at least 6 of the skills were linked directly to the arts:

1. The ability to determine the deeper meaning or significance of something being expressed;

2. Connecting with others in a deep and direct way;

3.Proficiency at thinking and coming up with solutions,

4.The ability to operate in different cultural settings;

5.Critically assessing and developing content that uses new media;

6.The ability to represent and develop tasks and work processes for desired a outcome.

Art makes us question and hypothesise outcomes. The skills of experimenting allow children to know how it feels to work through an idea and have the resilience to keep going until they succeed.  

Art enhances wellbeing: the process of art can lower a child's stress levels. A child can use the skills of art to express their emotions where words can sometimes fail them. It can help us to build up our skills of concentration and determination in a digital world where children are used to instant feedback and gratification. Being able to hold our attention on things that matter in life will make us more successful no matter what our age.

Art helps us see the world differently.  Looking art from different cultures helps us to see the world from different perspectives, sometimes through the eyes of an artist with alternative views. Art promotes curiosity and creativity, critical thinking and reflection. These are all skills that we want for our children in their future careers.

EVERY CHILD IS AN ARTIST... PABLO PICASSO