Art & Design Technology

Engineering and Art

As part of STEAM, Engineering and Art are intrinsically linked at Rhyl. Covering all Art and DT objectives across the National Curriculum, we provide a skills based, context driven approach which connects the curriculum and brings purpose to what children are learning. We are highly creative at Rhyl, which can be seen in all areas of our learning environment, from classroom displays to hanging structures in corridors and playground paintings. Art and DT are everywhere and always celebrated.

Art

As an integral part of STEAM, Art skills are well planned for across the year, making connections across the curriculum and within the thematic learning each term. We ensure that pupils are able to learn a range of aspects of Art; from styles and artists to movements and cultural impact. We focus on not only the enjoyment of Art but provide the children with the understanding of how to develop their own Art skills; building on learning and processes throughout each term and across the year to ensure artistic progression across the school.

Each half term we have an Art Day, which is based on the development of children’s skills such as drawing, collage or paint work, and follows a theme such as famous artists, seasons or space week. Children are hooked in by finding out about the art/artist and the skills they will develop throughout the day. They develop these skills through practise, improving techniques before finally designing, planning and creating their final masterpiece. Art days are always engaging and exciting, whilst at the core is the development of children’s artistic skills and flair, enabling them to grow their own sense of style and enjoyment of Art.

 At Rhyl, we highly value our partnerships which have provided us with learning opportunities that develop our skills and stretch our imaginations. We have taken part in the ‘Take One Picture’ project with the National Gallery which saw all staff and children visit the Gallery to view ‘Men of the Docks’ by George Bellows. This gave us the opportunity to link Art deeper into our connected STEAM approach and explore skills and style of differing artists within the same theme.

Engineering (DT)

The skills and artistic understanding which children at Rhyl develop supports them within the engineering aspect of STEAM. Engineering plays a vital role within global development, ranging across sectors such as Science, research, industry, manufacturing, construction, environmental and infrastructure management and development. These are fast changing areas in a modern world and we want to ensure our children are provided with the early skills that enable them to effectively progress as global citizens, providing them with choices about their future careers and interests.

Our connected curriculum  focuses on a whole school theme with a final outcome or product that children have developed. National Curriculum DT objectives are carefully planned for to ensure that children develop skills across the year and make connections within the STEAM subjects that support them with their engineering learning. The final outcome or product often includes significant engineering aspects and requires strong links across all STEAM subjects. High quality product outcomes such as a 3D interactive board game capture children’s imaginations and allow them to research, design, plan and make a product which is engaging and fun to use. Inspiration also comes from the world around us and promotes the development of our children as global citizens by deepening their cultural and social capital. High quality products such as flood proof homes, working models of Camden town and a sustainable fashion show have all developed an increased environmental understanding and respect.

We ensure trips and visits provide a practical stimulus for children’s understanding of engineering skills, therefore our partnerships with charity Little Hands Design and The London School of  Mosaics have enabled us to get hands on experience of design and making whilst exploring the range of engineering techniques used across industry. Visits to the Science Museum, London Docklands Museum and regular visits with The Crick ensure our pupils are exposed to the importance engineering and Design & Technology play within the modern world.