Pupils in all years at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School, Edwinstowe, took part in a week devoted to art.

Early Years Foundation Stage teacher and art lead Tanya Bee said: “Each class was inspired by a different artist while making links to the Christian value of thankfulness — we are thankful for who we are!

“In the foundation stage we made links to the artist Frida Kahlo. The children were fascinated by her story and her headbands, they were keen to add this iconic style to their work.

“I started the project with some guided drawing on whiteboards and introduced children to a set of simple steps that would help to shape their drawing. Allowing the children to explore first gave them an increased confidence and opportunity to develop their ideas before I introduced a different scale and medium.”

Tanya said she also explored a variety of materials children could work with, adding: “After exploring freely with the ‘sumi ink’ in play, I set the children the challenge to paint their portrait just like Frida.

“At this point the children didn’t need any direction from me, they knew exactly what they wanted to do! Giving them the freedom to create at this stage is what makes each child’s portrait unique and wonderfully different — just like ourselves. The children were incredibly proud of their finished pieces and were keen to share them with their parents and peers.”

Five-year-old pupil Lucas said he really enjoys his art classes: “We used ink and tried to do portraits.

“When I painted mine I was thinking of my mummy. I liked doing it and I think all of the drawings are good.

“They all have different things in them and that’s what makes them all special. I like art. I like paint and pastels and using ink. I would like to be an artist when I grow up.”

Tanya said children are familiar with this approach to art projects and always respond with interest and enthusiasm.

“They often request guided drawing or creative opportunities. Developing children’s skills or engaging in a guided draw before working on a final piece allows every child to be successful and feel empowered by their marks,” she said.

“At St Mary’s we use art as a vehicle to connect children’s learning between subjects.

“Children have regular opportunities to create, which helps us to stimulate their curiosity, creativity and imagination, and support the development of communication skills.

“Being creative also helps children to cope with their feelings and fears, as well as managing their emotional states, supporting their well-being.”

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