ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the art and design contributes to developing a depth of understanding in children’s learning. It discusses the pertinence of art, beyond developing key technical skills and expressing their individuality and cultural heritage, to help pupils reflect upon relevant and meaningful global themes which they may study within the curriculum. Arts education is foregrounded as a universal human right as part of ‘a comprehensive education leading to the full development of the individual’. The prominence, or lack, of inclusion of art and design within the curriculum is therefore an important and relevant educational issue. Opportunities for creativity have been aligned with situations promoting ‘personal interest, involvement, enjoyment and engagement with challenging tasks’, and involve ‘posing questions, making connections, being imaginative, exploring options and engaging in critical reflection evaluation’. The current English primary national curriculum for art and design seems limited on statutory requirements and guidance, and could lead to misinterpretation by those teachers lacking confidence.
