Art Express is a complete programme of study + manual + resources for teaching art and design in each of Key Stages 1 and 2. It can be used directly as a programme of study using the termly units of work. Click here for the website. I was on the editorial board so I should declare an interest at this stage. However, I do recommend it as an excellent resource for any school or art curriculum leader looking to revise their programme of study and improve the opportunities and quality of learning in art. It also provides a good foundation of skills and techniques which will support a variety of new curriculum models and configurations.
There are six books one for each of years one to six. Each book provides everything teachers will need, including session by session guidance, plans, visual resources and notes. All termly units model good practice and they can be used as they stand or as a template for schools developing their own programme of study. Each unit illustrates the classic art learning sequence of exploration, developing skills and researching ideas as a prelude to childrens own independent creative making.
The programme provides units and guidance for each of years one to six in painting, drawing, printing, sculpture, collage and textiles, IT. It also provides good models of assessment which draw upon the key characteristics of the subject. These have been established for many years and will not change (regardless of how government rearranges legislation).
In addition the publication provides software which will enable teachers to create and use a virtual art gallery. This will allow children to place their own work in the gallery, create a catalogue and then ‘virtually’ walk round the gallery. But it is more than this. It allows children to create virtual learning environments themselves. This is the same (OK similar) as the brilliant Google virtual galleries site where you can ‘virtually’ walk round major world galleries.
Here is an example of an Art Express Gallery.