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Creative Curriculum

“Before a child speaks, they sing.

Before they write, they paint.

As soon as they stand, they dance.

Art is the basis of human expression.”

At Ettington, we believe in providing our children with varied opportunities to use and develop the gifts and talents they have been blessed with, to ensure they embrace “Life in its fullness” John 10:10. Although history, geography and art are the key drivers of our Creative Curriculum, we weave our ambitious curriculum across all aspects of learning - as we aspire to 'Learn for the Fullness of Life'. We have carefully chosen our topics to ensure that they show the children the links between learning at school and real life. Links are made to high quality texts, real life problems involving mathematical concepts and scientific knowledge to gain a better understanding of the world. We aim to begin each creative curriculum topic with an exciting art-based hook - where we begin to explore new vocabulary.

We understand the importance of extending children’s vocabulary with topic-specific language. Vocabulary is displayed consistently in all classrooms in a uniform colour, so the children can use these words across all subjects. Curriculum overviews and knowledge organisers are used to highlight the vocabulary, knowledge and skills for each topic. These are shared with children and parents to ensure that learning continues at home.

Through a selection of past and present, local and international artists, craft makers, designers and architects, we aim to encourage and nurture our students’ creativity and artistic skills to help them to grow with a fullness of life. ‘Every child is an artist’ who can experiment, invent and create given the right inspiration, knowledge and challenge. We will equip pupils with the necessary tools, materials and vocabulary to reach their full artistic and designing potential whilst promoting a love and appreciation of their own and others’ work.  

History aims:

  • To inspire children’s curiosity to learn about the past.
  • To understand the diversity of societies and complexities of people’s lives.
  • To understand their own identities and the challenges of our time.

Geography aims:

  • To understand natural and human environments, together with a deep understanding of the Earth’s key physical and human processes.
  • To inspire curiosity about the world that should remain with them throughout their lives.

Art and Design aims:

  • Produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences
  • To become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques
  • To evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design
  • To know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

A creative curriculum is one in which students learn through creative and active teaching strategies and our aim is to help children become independent, self-confident, inquisitive and enthusiastic learners, developing life-long skills that they can use now and in the future.