Art, craft and design embody some of the highest forms of human creativity. A high-quality art and design education should engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they should be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design. They should also know how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. Pupils should produce creative work, explore ideas and record their experiences; become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques; evaluate and analyse; know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms. Pupils should be taught to use a range of materials; to develop and share ideas; to develop a wide range of techniques, using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space; about the work of a range of artists. Pupils should be taught to create sketchbooks; to improve mastery of techniques; about great artists, architects and designers in history.

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation. Pupils should develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. They should build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users. They need to critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others. They should understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

At Dr South’s we believe that an understanding of and proficiency with art, design and technology are essential for a rounded fulfilled life. Aspects of art have shaped our nation and nations throughout the world over the centuries, and an appreciation of this leads to a rich and thoughtful understanding of the world.
Children receive art, design and technology lessons in blocked sessions, all afternoon, every afternoon for a week at a time, usually six times during the year. Children are educated from the very beginning how to use materials effectively (ie shading, hatching, blending). They use pencil, pastel, watercolour, chalk, clay, fabric, photographs, mosaics and charcoal. These skills are developed in a structured way over the years, with the aim that the children leave the school able to work effectively in all media.
The children also learn about great artists and architects through other topics (eg Monet, da Vinci, Brunel). They also study great works of art during assembly, looking at how paintings can enrich our understanding of great faith stories. At times during the year, the children prepare artefacts for use in church services and other worship times.
Cookery is taught as a discrete subject, and children from Year 1 upwards have fifteen lessons each year, taught by a dedicated member of staff. The skills needed are carefully structured so that by the time the children leave, they can independently plan, prepare, cook, serve and clear away a three course meal.

• Detailed information about cookery