Visual Arts Policy

Whole School Plan for  Visual Arts

Introductory Statement and Rationale

(a) Introductory Statement

The visual arts programme in St. Mary’s aspires to help children to understand and express feelings and emotions through creative experiences. Through this programme they will be enabled to make connections between the real world and the world of imagination. This will provide them with the ability to appreciate and describe the world around them.

The whole staff was involved in drawing up this policy, we used buzz sessions, brainstorming, small group work and whole staff sessions.

(b) Rationale

This plan was formulated to provide for creative and aesthetic experiences through exploring, investigating, inventing, designing and making in a range of media. It promotes observation and ways of seeing and helps the child to acquire sensitivity to the visual, spatial and tactile world and to aesthetic experience. We believe it channels the child’s natural curiosity for educational ends and can facilitate learning in all areas of the curriculum. It informs staff, parents, B.O.M. and the Department of Education & Science.

Vision and Aims

(a) Vision:

In St. Mary’s Primary School we believe in the importance of Visual Arts in Education. In our school we recognise the potential of each child in our care and endeavour to develop those qualities that make each child unique Visual Arts gives us the opportunity to develop the spiritual, creative imaginative and aesthetic qualities of each child in line with the schools vision statement and as outlined in the curriculum statements and in accordance with child safeguarding statement.

(b) Aims:

1. That the children will have pride and a sense of fulfilment in discovering their own creativity.

2. That the child would develop an awareness of and sensitivity to visual art in their environment.

3. To stimulate the child in the development of  their imagination and skills through enjoyable experiences with the visual arts media.

4. To encourage the child to experience a feeling of achievement through exposure to a wide variety of art experiences, particularly a child with learning disabilities.

5. To foster expression and appreciation of the visual arts through meaningful art  experiences which stimulate excitement in the child.

Content of Plan

Curriculum:

1. Strands and Strand Units:

Teachers should familiarise themselves with the six strands (drawing, paint & colour, print, clay, construction, fabric & fibre) and ensure each strand and both strand units are given equal prominence during the visual arts programme for the year. An Art folder will be available on the school’s drive with links to relevant websites, digital books and a bank of ideas for each strand.

2. Children with Additional Needs:

The visual arts programme should provide opportunities for all children to experience success. Particular support will be given to children with special needs where discovery and experimentation in visual arts can be very rewarding and may lead to the development of other skills and talents. Children who display a particular ability in the area of visual arts will be encouraged to develop their talents through a range of school activities. Parents will be made aware of their child’s talents at the annual parent teacher meeting. These children will be encouraged to avail of opportunities to engage with the visual arts e.g. enter competitions, develop portfolios and help with school art displays.

3. Linkage and Integration:

Teachers will plan for opportunities for linkage and integration of visual arts activities. A thematic approach may be taken for linking strands e.g. Halloween: construct a witch from chicken wire; use clay for face and use fabric and fibre to dress the witch.

4. Assessment and Record Keeping:

Assessment is an integral part of the teaching and learning process the visual arts programme. The primary form of assessment in our school is teacher observation where the teacher notes the quality of imagination, inventiveness and involvement of the child. Use will also be of the following.

Success Criteria

The success of this plan will be measured using the following criteria:
Ø Implementation of revisions in the visual arts curriculum will be evident in the teachers work.
Ø Content and methodology will be evident in teachers planning and cuntas míosuil.
Ø Assessment will show that pupils are developing a level of appreciation of the visual arts appropriate to their age and ability.

Implementation

(a) Roles and Responsibilities:

Class teachers are responsible for the implementation of the visual arts programme for their own classes. Two of our infant teachers have set up an Art Club within the school. Children between First and Third class will be selected to attend the club at some stage throughout the school year. This club meets once a week between 2pm and 3pm. A small group of teachers have been asked to promote Art Competitions across the school. They will help to identify and encourage children with talent to enter various competitions throughout the year A designated teacher, Alma Gallagher supports the implementation and review of the Visual Arts programme.

(b)Timeframe: 2024- 2027

Review

(a) Roles and Responsibilities:

Progress made during the year will be reviewed at a staff meeting in June 2025.

Ratification and Communication

This plan was approved by B.O.M in November 2024.

This revised plan was ratified by the Board of Management on December 2024. The plan was communicated to teachers and implemented in classes from December 2024.

Chairperson Signature____________________ Date_____________________________