Pablo Picasso is quoted as saying "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

At Djanogly Strelley Academy, we want every child to know their worth as an artist is not measured on their skill level in drawing, their colour mixing skills in painting or their sculpting abilities with clay. But rather that they are able to express themselves through a range of artistic styles and mediums and develop their identity as an artist, which we hope will be a lasting part of each child as they move through our school and beyond. By creating and responding to artwork, pupils express their own identify, appreciate diverse artistic traditions, and understand how creativity strengthens communities and supports sustainable thinking.

Our Big Idea

On each child's journey, we aim for them to develop a positive attitude towards art, building confidence in each child’s understanding of the skills needed in drawing, painting and 3D work, such as clay modelling, as well as an appreciation for a wide range of artists. All children are supported to develop their skills with a scaffolded teaching structure that supports a wide range of learners. Children are exposed to well known artists from historical greats to modern day art-tivists, encompassing a diverse range of genders, religions, races, nationalities and disabilities.

Our Approach

Every year children study a drawing module, a painting module and a working in 3D module, one for each term. Each term your child will study an artist, their style, and the necessary skills to express themselves in the artist's given medium.

Teachers follow a 6-part teaching structure that applies to any artist, any medium and any year group, so children become familiar with the teaching cycle and expectations of the subject of Art.

Lesson 1: Interpret and analyse (learn about the artist's work)

Lesson 2: Practise

Lesson 3: Practise

Lesson 4: Design/Create

Lesson 5: Create

Lesson 6: Evaluate and analyse (own work)

It is our hope at DSA that children will develop an appreciation for art and find their medium, movement or individual that speaks to them and allows them to express themselves artistically.

Curriculum Overview

Learning at home

You can encourage your child at home by playing with colour, textures and form. Art can be found in the home and all around the community. Around Nottingham there is a great deal of street art from artists such as Kid30 and several free galleries such as Lakeside Arts and Nottingham Contemporary as well as regular events such as Light Night where anyone can get involved. Strelley Library also has art activities in the holidays. Get involved and enjoy time together creating art!

What are we learning across school?

Children in F2 (Reception), Yr1/2, Yr3/4, Yr5 and Yr6 have specfically taught art curriculums for their year groups. KS1 (Yr1/2) and LKS2 (Yr3/4) teach on an A/B yearly cycle.