The National Curriculum Art & Design: Pupils in Key Stage 2 should be taught: “to create sketch books to record their observations and use them to review and revisit ideas.”

 

Each child should have their own sketchbook that is personal to them and documents their learning journey and their creative processes in art and design through Key Stage 2. Hence, where practicable, the sketchbook should always be readily available to the children in art lessons.

 

Schools can make a choice as to whether to start the ‘sketchbook journey’ in Key Stage 1. Should this be the case, more teacher-led activities and direction should be given to the younger children about content in the sketchbook, as children get older, they should have the opportunity for personal expression and decision about the sketchbook content.

 

The sketchbook should be more than just a book to record sketches, it should be a journal in which children:

• Draw for pleasure and relaxation.

• Gather and record ideas that are of interest to them, particularly when they are inspired.

• Make observational drawings and paintings.

• Compile a portfolio of their work – either original or photographic copies.

• Keep photographs of their own work and images of the work of other artists.

• Experiment with different ideas.

• Work out preliminary ideas.

• Practise key techniques and try out new techniques.

• Consolidate previous learnt skills and techniques and refer back to when needed.

• Are able to annotate their work: Explaining, Articulating, Evaluating, Appreciating

 

It is worth investing in good quality sketchbooks at the beginning of Year 3 that accompany children as they progress through Key Stage 2. The sketchbook is personal to the individual child and should not be formally assessed. Each key stage 2 unit of work contains a separate presentation for children about their sketchbook.