The kindergarten art curriculum is the foundation for further learning. It and all subsequent curricula derive inspiration and direction from the Mission of St. Andrew’s School and the Virginia and the National Standards for Visual Arts. Visual art teaching encourages the young students’ inherent sense of wonder, leading them to use problem solving skills. They will use their senses to evaluate and express ideas. They learn that art has value in their own and other cultures as it has throughout human history. Through manipulation of a variety of materials their fine motor skills are enhanced. Through exposure to unique images from many sources their world is connected to the larger one.
1st Grade
The first grade curriculum elaborates upon concepts introduced in kindergarten with an emphasis on making ideas visual. Cognitive, sensory, affective and motor skills are highlighted with the expectation that students will learn and use vocabulary associated with these skills. They will learn that all people have different experiences of visual art and use artistic representation in various ways. Art production places emphasis on creative solutions to telling stories with images.
2nd Grade
By second grade, students have more information and skill from which to draw. The curriculum continues to cultivate their natural curiosity and provide structure that creates a reservoir for new ideas and experiences. As they grow accustomed to thinking critically about their own work and the work of others they will begin to make connections that allow them to use the art making process as a bridge to understanding in addition to it being an end in itself. Learning new ways to use familiar materials will contribute to a sense of mastery.
3rd Grade
Third grade visual art curriculum emphasizes learning through inquiry. Students examine aspects of the artistic process: idea generation, problem solving, and self-assessment. Students investigate the integral role of art and architecture within various cultures, with emphasis on Ancient cultures of Mali, Egypt, Greece and Rome. They combine knowledge of art and architecture, effective artistic processes and skills, and a variety of ideas to produce works of art.
4th Grade
The fourth grade curriculum continues to regard the art elements (line, shape, color, value, form, space, texture) and principles (balance, contrast, emphasis, unity, movement, pattern, proportion, rhythm, variety) as the tools and structures that undergird art appreciation and production. Students will explore ideas, subject matter and materials and make connections between art of the past, art from other cultures and other disciplines.
5th Grade
Students in fifth grade gain fluency in the understanding and application of the elements and principles of art. They gain mastery with materials and processes with practice. The field of architecture and urban design will be explored in depth. Along with learning about an art form that touches their lives every day, they will experience the necessity of collaboration for the completion of a project. By synthesizing information, thinking critically and creatively, they will inspire themselves and others to envision their own potential to positively impact their world.