Art Art in primary schools includes art, craft and design. It is taught so that children learn how to express their feelings and thoughts in a variety of ways, using appropriate skills, methods and materials. They also explore the work of other artists, so that they can develop an appreciation of it - that is, not only to enjoy it, but to understand what the artist was hoping to achieve and how she went about it. Producing their own artwork. Children explore the use of different kinds of material, including paper, clay, paint, crayons and fabric in order to express their feelings and thoughts, and to make representations of what they see around them, choosing appropriate materials and methods and using them safely. They learn to work from observation and the imagination, and to interpret their ideas using processes like painting, modelling, printing and collage. They learn to produce surface effects like shade and pattern and explore their effects; and they learn about colour and how to mix it. Finally, they learn how to plan their work, to modify their plans as the work progresses, and to evaluate the finished product. Exploring the artwork of others. Children study the work of artists and craftspeople from a range of times, cultures and artistic traditions and schools. They discuss their similarities and differences, and begin to learn to distinguish the work of one time period from that of another; they consider what the artist might have been trying to do and how well they have achieved their goals. They learn to express (verbally, in writing, and by producing their own art) the effect (thoughts and feelings) the art had on them. Back to National Curriculum