Art at Oak Meadow

At Oak Meadow, we are committed to providing a high-quality art education that encourages creativity, exploration, and self-expression. As an exceptionally creative school that has proudly received the Gold Arts Mark Award, we believe that art is a vital part of a child’s development, allowing students to communicate their ideas, experiences, and emotions visually. Our curriculum is designed to provide students with the skills and confidence to experiment with a wide variety of artistic techniques and styles. By following the Primary National Curriculum for art and design, we ensure that all children are exposed to the essential elements of art, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and the appreciation of diverse artistic traditions. Through the study of artists, both historical and contemporary, and hands-on creation, we aim to foster a lifelong appreciation for art in all its forms. Students will have the opportunity to study diverse artists from different periods of art, helping them understand the evolution of art across cultures and time.

Our art curriculum covers a wide range of themes and mediums, ensuring that students have the opportunity to develop their skills in different areas. In Year 1, students explore Abstract Art, engaging with the work of Jackson Pollock to experiment with techniques such as splattering, dripping, and creating dynamic compositions. This introduction to abstraction encourages students to express themselves through movement and color. As students progress through the school, they encounter more challenging art forms and techniques. In Year 4, they study 3D Art and Sculpture, where students explore the human form by looking at the works of Alberto Giacometti and Henry Moore, both of whom are known for their expressive sculptures of the human figure. This work allows students to develop an understanding of form, shape, and tone, while experimenting with creating their own sculptures. Through activities like sculpture and drawing, children learn to visualize and create both two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks.

The curriculum also emphasizes the importance of drawing and painting skills, with students engaging in activities that explore tone, form, and shape. In Year 6, students work on contemporary art, drawing inspiration from artists such as Henry Moore and Jacqueline Hurley, whose work pushes boundaries and encourages students to explore abstract concepts and personal expression through their art. Throughout the curriculum, students are taught to use different materials and techniques, whether it’s experimenting with charcoal and pastels for tone and shading, or creating mixed-media pieces to convey emotions and ideas.

In addition to these core skills, we ensure that students have the opportunity to work in various artistic styles and approaches. They learn to appreciate and analyze art by studying different artists, including both historical and modern figures, and reflect on how art can communicate messages and tell stories. Students are encouraged to express their individuality and to be confident in sharing their unique perspectives through their work.

Our art curriculum is further enriched through extra-curricular activities such as art clubs, workshops, and school-wide art exhibitions, where students can display their work and gain confidence in their artistic abilities. These after-school clubs provide an opportunity for children to engage in creative activities beyond the classroom, such as craft-making, drawing, painting, and even designing sculptures. The clubs foster a sense of collaboration, allowing students to work together on creative projects while deepening their understanding of various artistic techniques. These activities allow students to deepen their understanding and passion for art, collaborate with their peers, and share their creations with the wider school community.

By the end of their time at Oak Meadow, students will have developed a strong foundation in a variety of artistic techniques and will have a deep appreciation for the role art plays in society. They will have had the opportunity to experiment with different mediums, study a range of artists from diverse periods and cultures, and express themselves creatively. Our art curriculum not only enhances students' technical skills but also helps develop their creativity, critical thinking, and self-expression.

Ultimately, we aim to inspire a lifelong love of art in every child. Whether they pursue art further or simply continue to enjoy creating as a hobby, our art program provides students with the skills, confidence, and enthusiasm to engage with art throughout their lives. Through our commitment to a rich and inclusive art curriculum, we ensure that every student leaves Oak Meadow with the foundation to continue exploring and appreciating art long after their time at school.