At the Valley, we strongly feel Art provides us with, not only the means of self-expression and communication, but also a window into other people’s feelings, thoughts and visions. We believe Art is a unique and diverse visual language. It is common to all cultures and age groups. Art has a role in its own right but has several functions both to the individual and in playing an inherent communicative and supportive role in every curriculum area, making a significant contribution to the quality of learning. Art experiences enable children to learn, organise, communicate, express and celebrate, using intuitive as well as logical processes. Art teaches pupils to think creatively, to develop perceptual skills of observation and discrimination, and to develop verbal, visual and technical skills for communication. Art education can help to develop and awareness of different societies and cultures, both past and present, and can aid children who may have difficulty expressing themselves by other means.
Art and Design is not a subject we merely learn; it is a subject we feel. Its experiences can help us to develop a wider understanding of Art, allowing us to consider and evaluate our likes and dislikes, developing our aesthetic judgements and understanding the judgements of others, shaped by understanding and reasoning. Art has the potential to enrich all our lives.
We want our children to foster a passion for art and design and to develop their individual preferences, knowledge and skills. All children will learn about a range of artists and designers, across the ages, identifying and celebrating famous pieces, styles, people or eras. We will provide opportunities for all of our children to learn how to draw, paint, model, print and make products, expressing themselves using a range of materials, tools, techniques and styles. The children will explore art & design through our school curriculum, school trips and links with artists in Schools.
