S.N Pheadair agus Phil, Droim Conrach, Co.

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Whole School Policy for Visual Arts

The purpose of this policy for Visual Arts is to provide an overview on the teaching of Visual Arts as practiced in S.N Pheadair agus Phil and to provide a reference framework for all future planning in Visual Arts. This document is primarily intended for the information of our teachers, classroom assistants and other partners in the education system. To conform to the principles outlined in the revised curriculum this policy was drawn up by all staff. The school cherishes all pupils equally and to aid them in achieving their true potential, a clear and concise policy is necessary. Rationale: Arts education enables the child to explore alternative ways of communicating with others. It encourages ideas that are personal and inventive and makes vital contribution to the development of a range of intelligences.

Vision Statement: We at S.N Pheadair agus Phil are committed to promoting the unique giftedness of each child and to helping them to work towards achieving success and excellence in all areas of the Curriculum. We believe that Art offers a very special way for children to express themselves with confidence. It also allows every child to excel whether or not they are academically gifted. For this reason we believe that Visual Arts has a key role to play in the learning process and in helping us to achieve our principal stated objectives. Our immediate aims in visual arts are: To begin to emphasise process versus product when teaching Art To provide a broad and balanced curriculum in each class making use of the six strands as outlined in the Revised primary Curriculum 1999 To begin to create a balance between making and doing and looking and responding by implementing a programme of looking and responding. Curriculum Content: Each class will study elements of the six curricular strands as outlined at the end of this document. Equal opportunities: We believe that all children have the right to fully enjoy the visual arts curriculum. For this reason we will ensure as far as is possible that no child is withdrawn for learning support during these lessons. Integration with other subjects: We will make every effort to integrate our teaching of Art with other subjects in the curriculum. For instance an English poem or a piece of music may serve as a springboard for artwork. Our science lessons will also include making and doing on a regular basis. Where possible we will work thematically across subject areas. Opportunities will be given to integrate strands with other area of the curriculum with particular emphasis on themes and celebrations throughout the year. Curriculum Time:

We will allocate 2.5 hours per week to teaching art in the junior classes and 1.5 hours in the senior classes.

Display: We believe that it is important for each child to see that his/her work is valued by being displayed either in the classroom or through our school. Each class will keep a portfolio of their work. Pupils work may also be displayed in the community centre, church etc when appropriate. Assessment and Record keeping: Individual teachers will evaluate childrens progress on an ongoing basis by referring back to our stated objectives. Teachers observations will be communicated to parents at parent/teacher meetings and on the end of year report. A portfolio of pupils work will be collated. Resources: At present each teacher purchases his/her own resources from the Art money which parents contribute at the beginning of the year. Visual Arts using ICT will be developed in line with our ICT policy. We have also created a central storage area in the Resource Room. Community links: Whenever we learn of local artists in the area we will invite them to work with us. Visits by local artists and crafts people ensure that links are forged between school art and art in the community. Pupils will be brought to places of interest in order to view and appreciate the visual aspect.

Curriculum Content for All Classes:

Strands and Strand Units: The Primary curriculum will be referred to by all class teachers in order to ensure that each strand unit is taught. Current good practice regarding uniformity of approach, progress and content in and between classes and throughout the school shall continue. The staff will examine the objectives for each strand unit and plan their work accordingly, while ensuring there is a balance between 2D and 3D strands and between making and doing, looking and responding to art. The staff will examine the objectives in each section to ensure there is continuity and progression from class to class, keeping in mind the considerations of multi-class situations. The school creates the opportunities for children while working with local craft people and artists to look at and respond to their natural and living environment e.g. Heritage in schools scheme, nature walks, visits to local parks, art museums, heritage sites. Pupils are encouraged to look and talk about his/ her own work comparing and contrasting with others in a positive manner. Purposeful art activities will begin with a stimulus to fire the pupils interest and imagination.

Children in all classes in our school will be given opportunities to:

Drawing:

Explore and experiment with age appropriate drawing materials and tools Work with drawing tools on a range of surfaces Make drawings based on their own experiences Make drawings based on their imaginations Talk about and write about their own drawings and those of their peers Look at and respond to drawings by artists Develop concepts of the elements of art through engaging with drawing activities

In every class in our school, children will be provided with opportunities to:

Construction:

Explore and experiment with a wide range of construction materials Play with construction games and toys Make imaginative structures to represent their experiences and imagination Make art work in two-dimensional construction Look at and respond to their own constructions and to group constructions Look at and respond to natural and built constructions and to sculpture Develop concepts about the elements of art through working with construction materials

Fabric and fibre:

In every class in our school children will be provided with opportunities to:

Explore and experiment with a variety of fabrics and fibres Change the surface of fabrics Create new fabrics Construct with fabrics and fibres Use fabrics and fibres to represent their own experiences, observations and imagination Look at and respond to their own work in fabrics and fibres, to the work of other children and to artists work in fabric and fibres Develop concepts about the elements of art through working with fabrics and fibres

Paint and colour:

Children in all classes in our school will be given

opportunities to: Explore and experiment with a range of age appropriate paint and colour materials Work with these materials on a range of surfaces Use paint and colour to represent their own imaginings Talk about their work and the work of other children in paint and colour Look at and respond to how artists work in paint and colour Develop concepts of the elements of art through engaging with paint and colour materials

Print:

In every class in our school children will be provided with opportunities to:

Explore and experiment with a variety of printing tools and materials Exploring the variety of age appropriate printmaking techniques as outlined in the Revised Primary Curriculum 1999 Use these print making techniques to represent their experiences, observations and imagination Look at and respond to their own print making efforts, to print in everyday use, to print in the environment and to prints created by artists. Develop concepts about the elements of art through working with print making materials

Clay:
In every class in our school children will be provided with opportunities to:

Experiment with clay and with clay tools Experience learning about age appropriate pottery techniques as outlined in the Revised Primary Curriculum 1999 Use clay/pottery techniques as a medium for representing their experiences Observations and imagination Explore a variety of other materials such as playdoughs and bulk mache to develop their concept of form

 SEN:

Develop concepts about the elements of art through working with clay Look at and talk about their own work and the work of other children Look at and respond to pottery and ceramics

The school will provide opportunities for all pupils including pupils with special educational needs to show capabilities and independent achievement. Individual Teachers Planning: This school plan and the curriculum documents will form the basis for individual teachers long and short term planning. A copy of each teachers yearly plan and Cntas Mosil will be handed into the office. Teachers will use a thematic approach where appropriate. Staff Development: Staff are encouraged to share their expertise and newly acquired knowledge with all staff members.

Parental Involvement: Displaying and discussing their work in a constructive way at home helps to build confidence and may encourage pupils to develop interest in art beyond school. Opportunities for whole school engagement with particular strands are taken into consideration when planning for Christmas plays, St. Brigids Day etc. Success Criteria: The procedures outlined in this plan are consistently followed and aims achieved as indicated by teachers, parents, pupils, inspectors and feedback from second level schools. Implementation: The plan will be supported, developed and implemented by the whole staff. The Principal will discuss the implementation of the Visual Arts Programme across the school community. Ratification and Communication:

This policy was ratified by the Board of Management in October 2012. It will be regularly reviewed and updated as necessary.