pdf School inspection report - Ofsted

ART
114. Whilst it was only possible to observe one lesson in each key stage, work in pupils’
portfolios and on display in classrooms and around school indicate that pupils in Key
Stage 1 make good progress in the subject and achieve standards above that
normally expected of pupils of a similar age. Pupils in Key Stage 2 make good and
often very good progress in the subject and achieve standards in their artwork well
above that expected of pupils of a similar age. This is a significant improvement on
the previous inspection when attainment was deemed to be satisfactory.
115. In Year 1 pupils demonstrate good observational skills as they produce some pleasing
pictures of flowers linked to Van Gogh’s ‘Irises’. The teacher’s exposition to this
lesson, as the class reflected on their visit to the local flower market, and her resulting
questions did much to develop and enhance pupils’ oral skills. The good quality work
produced by pupils was much influenced by their total commitment to the lesson and
their ability to give their work their full and undivided attention.
116. In Year 5 pupils focus on art skills as they work on colour shading and blending in
watercolour pencils. These skills are to be used in the next art lesson as pupils work
in detail on pictures based upon Tudor miniature portraits. During the lesson pupils
were observed working quietly both in an independent manner as well as supporting
each other in their efforts.
117. Observation of the high quality work around the school indicates that pupils are
provided with the opportunity to engage in all aspects of the art curriculum. This
includes drawing and painting in a range of styles based on a range of artists’ work;
collage work; three-dimensional figure work in clay, straws, silver foil and Modroc;
pottery and papier mache; textile work on tapestries, appliqué and wall hangings; and
computer generated art.
118. Regular opportunities are provided for pupils to revisit each of these activities, to
experiment and to refine their skills. Pupils explore art from other countries and
cultures and use this experience as a stimulus for their own work. Pupils produce
some imaginative paintings, masks, heads, and figures based upon African and
Chinese art. There are good links between art and other areas of the curriculum, in
particular history. Pupils draw and paint Greek vases, Egyptian mummies, and are
involved in a range of art activities linked to the Tudors. The high quality of work
produced by pupils is reflected in the fact that one of the tapestries produced by the
school has been selected for display in the Millennium Dome. Pupils rightly show real
pride in the work they produce.
119. Pupils treat all materials and equipment in a safe and sensible manner, and are as
committed in clearing away at the end of the lesson, as they are in the practical
activities they are involved in. A good working atmosphere existed in both lessons
observed. Whilst pupils produce good and often very good artwork based upon the
work of a wide range of challenging artists (El Greco, Picasso, Andy Warhol, Escher
and David Hockney), a significant number of pupils lack the communication skills to
talk about their own work, and the work of the artists they have studied.
120. The quality of teaching in both key stages is good. Lessons are well planned,
resourced and organised. Teachers have high expectations of pupils, provide them
with good support during lessons, and allow them to share and celebrate their work at
the end of lessons.
121. The subject is led by an informed and enthusiastic co-ordinator who influences the
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