'Every Human is an artist.' - Don Miguel Ruiz

An essential part of our focus as a Catholic school is on the importance of the development of the whole child. Art is central to this and we will seek to inspire all pupils in a search for excellence in art and instil an appreciation and understanding of creativity and imagination as part of a broad and balanced curriculum that includes high-quality arts and culture. This is a vital part of developing our pupils’ creativity, inspiring future careers and enriching their childhood. For many people, art and creativity is not only a form of expression, it is therapeutic and a form of stress relief and is therefore essential in providing nurture and supporting the wellbeing of our children. As of September 2020 we have a brand new, exciting and well resourced art curriculum for years 1 - 6 which focuses on the development of skills in art through themed topics. Children will complete one art unit and one DT unit every term. 

Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. At St Peter’s we intend to provide a high-quality art and design education that will engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design.  

As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. 

The art curriculum will recognise the importance of inclusivity and activities will be adapted to meet the individual needs of all pupils. All pupils have the opportunity to access a range of different art, craft and design activities during their time at St Peter’s and should leave the school with the necessary knowledge and skills to invent and create their own works of art as well as a respectful appreciation for art and creativity. Whilst the art curriculum will be accessible to all pupils, it should be recognised that children have strengths in different subject areas and talented artists should be identified and celebrated.    

 Aims  

The curriculum for art and design aims to ensure that all pupils:  

• produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences  
• become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques  
• evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design  
• know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.  

We are proud of the art curriculum at St Peter's, and where possible we will involve members of the wider school community in art projects and will exhibit the children’s artwork in school. Children have regular opportunities to take part in art competitions at St Peter's and also have opportunities to enter art competitions where they compete against students from other schools in the Winchester community. Visitors such as artists, musicians and dancers may be invited into school to enrich the curriculum and as a school we aim to work together to achieve the Arts Mark Award.

 “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” - Edgar Degas