At Oxbridge Lane we recognise the importance of nurturing creativity and imagination. We believe that art stimulates creativity, imagination and inventiveness. Artistic and creative activities have a thoughtful and therapeutic benefit which is encouraged. We provide a rich and varied curriculum where children are given opportunities to understand, explore and respond to the world around them and develop skills they can apply elsewhere. As a school we feel that art gives our pupils the skills, concepts and knowledge necessary for them to express response to ideas and experiences. 

 

“Art is not just a subject to learn, but an activity that you can practise with your hands, your eyes, your whole personality.” Quentin Blake. 

 

Links are made across the curriculum with other creative subjects such as Music and Design and Technology. Art also encourages expression and visual thinking, which in turn helps children learn other subjects. Children can develop their observational skills through art and design, which helps children become better observers to the world around them. 

 

At Oxbridge Lane we believe in experiential learning and learning outside the classroom. We place emphasis on the use of first-hand experience, experimentation and development of ideas and skills based on a wide range of stimuli. The quality of the first-hand experience is extremely important. The natural environment is a stimulus and the children are often taken outside to draw or use their visits around the local area as a stimulus for their art work. We enjoy having specialist artists in to school to inspire the children and their creativity and provide opportunities to visit museums and galleries. 

 

Through a range of carefully structured art and design activities they explore ideas and meanings in the work of artists and designers which they may then use as inspiration to develop within their own work. 

 

Children are encouraged to experiment with many different resources, using colour, form, texture and pattern to communicate what they see, feel and think, expressing themselves regardless of ability. Self- evaluation of work is also encouraged so that children learn how to be resilient to achieve their goals. 

 

As the children progress through school, art experiences are built upon so the children can make decisions about their approach to different challenges. Our children adore seeing their art, craft or design work on display and the beautiful displays around our school are testament to the quality of our teaching and learning experiences.