Art is often a great means for pupils to express their feelings and ideas, in addition to developing their understanding of the world around them.

At Islamia Primary School we are enthusiastic about all forms of art (from modern forms of digital art and inspiring performing arts, to traditional painting techniques).

We are keen on encouraging experimental art, whereby pupils feel free to express their ideas and individuality through their work. We also try our best to provide pupils with opportunities to learn specific techniques in order to aid them with skills that they can use.

Islam is our fundamental inspiration for all our work, this also includes our art. Pupils’ ideas and inspiration are often developed from observing the natural world, studying the characteristics of landscapes and the beauty of naturally formed patterns. This appreciation for the creation of Allah helps pupils to expand their understanding of geometric and floral designs, plus the elegance of Islamic calligraphy.

I like art because it is fun and every lesson is exciting and different in it’s own way. In art we have done lots of things like making poster, fine art drawings of flowers, sketching, weaving, modelling and filming.

I have learnt many skills, including how to weave on card looms. My painting skills have also improved and I can now use shading in my work.

Art has supported me in many subjects; in Literacy I made a Roman poster. In science week I used a lot of art to make mountain volcanoes and creative aeroplanes.
I love calligraphy because of the way artist control the pen or brush. When I’m older I would like to learn more about calligraphy.

Statement by Nusaybah Abdur-Rahman aged 9

Salaam, My Name is Raabia and I love art because it is creative and fun. I always use my imagination when I do art. In art I have designed a background for a non-fiction poster. I also did a black and white portrait of my teacher (Teacher Samira). It took a long time to do, but in the end it was worth it.

The skills I have learnt are how to draw a picture that is only black and white, I am able to use shading and smudging to show light and dark areas.

I am very good at art; my teacher calls me ‘The Little Artist’.

By Raabia Shawekh aged 9

Below are websites related to art: (It is always advisable for parents to preview each site before allowing their child access to each site, this will help determine suitability.)

www.hitentertainment.com/artattack/
smartmuseum.uchicago.edu/smartkids/index.html
http://www.alifetimeofcolor.com/
www.artsandcraftsforkids.co.uk/
www.activitytv.com/139-drive-me-crazy
familyfun.go.com/arts-and-crafts/

Get involved! Art and crafts can be an exciting and a positive way to promote family time. Children love to share their work with you and take great pride when you show an interest. You could also use these opportunities to develop and assess your child’s learning and understand.

www.vam.ac.uk/collections/asia/islamic_gall/index.html
www.ehow.com/how_4522802_fine-motor-skills-through-art.html
www.masterpieceart.org/documents/Make_Art.doc
www.everydayart.com/draw.html
atschool.eduweb.co.uk/carolrb/Islam/art.html

By Samira Choaibi
Art Coordinator