Art & Design

 The Art and Design curriculum offers opportunities to stimulate creativity and imagination by providing visual, tactile and sensory experiences.  Children develop understanding of colour, form, texture, pattern and of the use of different materials and techniques to communicate ideas, feelings and meanings.  The work of artists, craftspeople and designers is explored, as are the functions of art, craft and design in their own lives.

 Art

In the Foundation Stage children explore colour, texture, shape, form and space and are encouraged to respond to what they see, touch and feel in different ways.  They develop their imagination through the use of a widening range of materials and tools, and are encouraged to make connections between the areas of learning.  These early experiences are built on as the children move through the school.

In the Pre-Prep Department, art, craft and design activities relate more closely to the children's own identity and experiences, while in the Prep Department creativity, knowledge and skills are developed through more complex activities.  Exploring ideas through enquiry, discussion and evaluation develops language and communication skills.  Children are offered experiences and the opportunity to acquire skills in painting, textiles, sculpture and the use of digital media.

Design and Technology

At Cliff, all pupils are given the opportunity to develop their design and technological skills to their full potential. Design and technology fosters learning through doing and is taught using multi-sensory approaches that enhance all pupils learning whatever their individual ability. A positive attitude to the made world and how we live and work within it is encouraged through making learning and teaching both enjoyable and meaningful.

At both Pre-prep and Prep children are given the opportunity to evaluate products and develop their own design skills. They work with textiles, mechanisms, structures and food to make various quality products and working models. The children are encouraged to think about health and hygiene issues, where necessary, as they measure, assemble, join and combine materials in a variety of ways using appropriate tools safely. 

Design and technology draws upon and contributes to the childrens understanding of other curriculum areas particularly science, mathematics, art, English and ICT.