During Key Stage 1 pupils develop their creativity and imagination by exploring the visual, tactile and sensory qualities of materials and processes. They learn about the role of art, craft and design in their environment. They begin to understand colour, shape and space and pattern and texture and use them to represent their ideas and feelings.

During Key Stage 2 pupils develop their creativity and imagination through more complex activities. These help to build on their skills and improve their control of materials, tools and techniques. They increase their critical awareness of the roles and purposes of art, craft and design in different times and cultures. They become more confident in using visual and tactile elements and materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think.

Teaching should ensure that 'investigating and making' includes 'exploring and developing ideas' and 'evaluating and developing work'. 'Knowledge and understanding' should inform this process.

Attainment target level descriptions

Level 1

Pupils respond to ideas. They use a variety of materials and processes to communicate their ideas and meanings, and design and make images and artefacts. They describe what they think or feel about their own and others' work.

Level 2

Pupils explore ideas. They investigate and use a variety of materials and processes to communicate their ideas and meanings, and design and make images and artefacts. They comment on differences in others' work, and suggest ways of improving their own.

Level 3

Pupils explore ideas and collect visual and other information for their work. They investigate visual and tactile qualities in materials and processes, communicate their ideas and meanings, and design and make images and artefacts for different purposes. They comment on similarities and differences between their own and others' work, and adapt and improve their own.

Level 4

Pupils explore ideas and collect visual and other information to help them develop their work. They use their knowledge and understanding of materials and processes to communicate ideas and meanings, and make images and artefacts, combining and organising visual and tactile qualities to suit their intentions. They compare and comment on ideas, methods and approaches used in their own and others' work, relating these to the context in which the work was made. They adapt and improve their work to realise their own intentions.

Level 5

Pupils explore ideas and select visual and other information. They use this in developing their work, taking account of the purpose. They manipulate materials and processes to communicate ideas and meanings and make images and artefacts, matching visual and tactile qualities to their intentions. They analyse and comment on ideas, methods and approaches used in their own and others' work, relating these to its context. They adapt and refine their work to reflect their own view of its purpose and meaning.

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