everything curriculum | September 2018


Architecture project – printing with card Year 6


We are also talking about encouraging the teaching of visual literacy through the subject – a necessity in today’s world. Our lives are filled with media which has images, symbols, infographics, charts, maps and so many other types of visual communication. Art has a major part to play in developing this across the curriculum. An image can be used to start any lesson, in any subject, in a school setting.


Some schools have distinct art curriculum models and time slots, some schools link art with the content and focus of other subject areas. If linking to a theme, thinking ‘outside of the box’ helps to make the art connection more relevant and contemporary. For example, a teacher asked me how she could make art lessons linked to studying ‘The Vikings’ more exciting than making the annual paper mache helmet or the usual cardboard shield. We developed a design project where the children could choose from various starting points/briefs. One was to design and create a logo and team strip for a sports team called The Vikings. This involved the children looking at and evaluating existing designs and using their own knowledge of the Viking imagery and culture to create something original. This idea can lead to all sorts of possible directions, Viking brand jewellery, Viking breakfast cereal, Viking trainer shoes etc.


Involving children in the whole process of art, craft and design can help with them understanding the intrinsic value of the subject and the clear connections to the creative and cultural industries. A project on architecture, for example, can involve history, geography, art, mathematics, science, DT, and English, and have a digital or a 2d or a 3d outcome. It would develop their understanding into what goes into a building, from ideas


through to designing, through to creating. Employment in the creative and cultural industries is important to the current and future UK economy and there is no doubt that job opportunities will grow. To be a good artist, maker or designer you need many skills from across the wider curriculum. Make sure that your children see the relevance of what they do.


About Susan


Susan M Coles is a creativity, arts and educational consultant and artist, who works in schools, colleges, universities, galleries and museums across the UK and the world. She is a former president of NSEAD (National Society for Education through Art and Design) and a member of the council. Susan is also a world councillor for InSEA (International Society for Education through Art) and acts as secretary to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Art, Craft and Design Education. Susan is also an associate of the Big Draw and a trustee of AccessArt. Susan is active on Twitter as @theartcriminal and you can find out more about her and her work at artcrimes.org.uk


07


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20