Art and design stimulates creativity and imagination. It provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a special way of understanding and responding to the world. It enables children to communicate what they see, feel and think through the use of colour, texture, form, pattern and different materials and processes. At Monks Orchard, children become involved in shaping their environments through art and design activities. They learn to make informed judgements and aesthetic and practical decisions. They explore ideas and meanings through the work of artists and designers. Through learning about the roles and functions of art, they can explore the impact it has had on contemporary life and that of different times and cultures. The appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts enriches all our lives.

We aim to enable children to record from first-hand experience and from imagination, and to select their own ideas to use in their work. They will develop creativity and imagination through a range of activities. By improving the children’s ability to control materials, tools and techniques, they will develop increasing confidence in the use of visual and tactile elements and materials. They will be encouraged to foster an enjoyment and appreciation of the visual arts and a knowledge of artists, craftspeople and designers.