Art & Photography
Art & Photography Department Curriculum Intent
The intent of our Art and Photography curriculum is to nurture students to become curious, confident and responsible learners and practitioners. They will develop resilience, creativity and problem-solving skills that will allow them to connect different artistic skills, techniques and ideas together.
Our students will be curious, respectful and responsible in their approach to art and photography as they are challenged through the different processes and concepts that are suitable and appropriate for their individual level. This will be evident not only in our lessons but also in the form of extended learning opportunities where students will be encouraged to think creatively and independently.
Ultimately, the intent of the curriculum is to challenge our students to become ambitious and curious individuals who will be successful in their approach to solving artistic problems, respectful, kind and responsible for their progress and informed decisions. The department is ambitious, inclusive and engaging where the curriculum enables students to achieve their full potential and develop into successful adults.
Key Stage 3
At KS3 we engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. As pupils progress, they are taught to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of art and design and understand how art and design both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to culture and creativity.
Aims:
Our Schemes of Work for art and design aim to ensure that all pupils can produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences by becoming proficient in drawing, painting, printing and other art, craft and design techniques. We guide students to use the language of art and appreciate different artists, craft makers and designers.
Key Stage 4
At KS4 students study the AQA syllabus and actively engage in the creative process of Fine Art and Photography in order to develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds.
Aims:
- Develop creative, imaginative and intuitive capabilities when exploring and making images and artefacts.
- Become confident in taking risks and learn from experience when exploring and experimenting with ideas, processes, media, materials and techniques.
- Develop critical understanding through investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills.
- Develop and refine ideas and proposals, personal outcomes or solutions with increasing independence.
- Acquire and develop technical skills through working with a broad range of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies with purpose and intent.
- Develop knowledge and understanding of art and photography in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures.
Key Stage 5
At KS5 students have the opportunity to study the AQA A level course in Fine Art and Photography.
Students develop:
- Intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive capabilities
- Investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement
- Independence of mind in developing, refining and communicating their own ideas, their own intentions and their own personal outcomes.
- An interest in, enthusiasm for and enjoyment of art and photography.
- The experience of working with a broad range of media.
- Knowledge and experience of real-world contexts, links to the creative industries, courses, roles and the jobs market.
- Knowledge and understanding of art and photography media and technologies in contemporary and past societies and cultures.
- An awareness of different roles, functions, audiences and consumers of art and photography.
Art & Photography Department Ethos
Our department focusses on fostering respect, responsibility and creative reflection, through independence and critical thinking. We provide the skills and knowledge for students to express themselves through a range of artistic mediums. Our inclusive and creative ethos provides a welcoming and supportive environment where all students feel valued, respected, and encouraged to learn. We seek to engage students in experimentation, risk-taking and discovery, thereby allowing students to create their own unique solutions.
Our learners are encouraged to critically analyse and work collaboratively whilst developing their understanding of artistic concepts, techniques, history and culture. We aim to empower students to become capable artists who persevere through challenges and refine their skills, both in their personal lives and future pathways.
Click the links below for Art
Careers Linked to Art
- Fashion Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Product Designer
- Fine artist – painter/drawer
- Logo/branding designer
- Book/Magazine Illustrator
- Printmaker
- Textile Designer
- Photographer
- Animator – AI Designer
- Web Designer
- TV Film producer
- Video game Designer
- Tattoo artist
- Prop/set/installation stage designer
- Community arts worker
- Advertisement designer
- Android iPhone App designer
- Art Historian
- Floral arranger
- Museum Curator
- Personal stylist
- Picture framer
- Art teacher /lecturer
- Art therapist
- Special effects – makeup/set
- Jeweller
- Potter/ceramic design
- Architect
- Cartoonist
- Decorator
- Events manager
ASSESSMENT
Art and Design lessons will engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. Students will be encouraged to think critically and develop an understanding of art and design and how it both reflects and shapes our history and contributes to cultural creativity.
Throughout the course, students are continuously assessed against Key Skills in key Stage 3, (1. Understanding, 2. Development, Refine, Experiment, 3. Skill and Recording, 4. Analyse), and against Assessment Objectives in Key Stages 4 and 5.
Aims and links to KS4 and KS5
- Produce creative work, Explore ideas and record experiences. (Links to KS4 and 5 – AQA A01, A03) • Become proficient in drawing/painting, and a range of art techniques such as printing, photography, 3D, texture, montage etc. (Links to KS4 and 5 – AQA A02, A03 and A04)
- Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art. Learn about great artists and understand the historical and cultural development of different art forms. (Links to KS4 and 5 – AQA A01, A03 and A04)
Mastery Statements, (Key Stage 3):
- Emerging – Working below.
- Developing – Working closely towards a secure level
- Secure – working at the expected NC level for the end of KS3 level 3/4 GCSE standard)
- Mastering - – working above
- Mastering - – working above
For further details, please see the following:
FURTHER READING
Recommended Museum websites:
Art UK – https://artuk.org/
Culture24 – https://www.culture24.org.uk/
MuseumsUK or Museums.co.uk – https://museumsuk.com/
Arts & Culture – https://artsandculture.google.com/
The following books are recommended and available within the department library, (plus many more!)
Drawing Projects: An Exploration of the Language of Drawing
By Mick Maslen & Jack Southern
A practical and inspiring book that helps you experiment with drawing ideas — great for starting projects and developing sketchbook work.
Art: The Whole Story
By Elizabeth Goring
A superb visual overview of art history from prehistoric to contemporary art — ideal for Contextual studies and contextual analysis.
Art: The Whole Story
By Elizabeth Goring
A superb visual overview of art history from prehistoric to contemporary art — ideal for Contextual studies and contextual analysis.
Art Now: Volumes (1–8)
Various authors (Taschen)
Visual overview of contemporary artists — excellent for A-Level research & personal study.
The Painter’s Handbook
By Mark David Gottsegen
Great reference for materials and techniques — especially handy for A Level when you’re experimenting with media.
The Story of Art
By E.H. Gombrich
A classic art history text — readable and comprehensive. Perfect for contextual essays and understanding movements.
GCSE Art & Design: AQA Exam Skills Handbook
Specific to the exam board, practical tips for assessments.
Photography: The Definitive Visual History
By Tom Ang
Perfect for photography projects, including context & technique.
Learning journey
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A Level
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Revision resources
Art and Photography revision Resources:
Click the links below for Photography
Careers Linked to photography
- Fashion Designer
- Graphic Designer
- Product Designer
- Fine artist – painter/drawer
- Logo/branding designer
- Book/Magazine Illustrator
- Printmaker
- Textile Designer
- Photographer
- Animator – AI Designer
- Web Designer
- TV Film producer
- Video game Designer
- Tattoo artist
- Prop/set/installation stage designer
- Community arts worker
- Advertisement designer
- Android iPhone App designer
- Art Historian
- Floral arranger
- Museum Curator
- Personal stylist
- Picture framer
- Art teacher /lecturer
- Art therapist
- Special effects – makeup/set
- Jeweller
- Potter/ceramic design
- Architect
- Cartoonist
- Decorator
- Events manager
ASSESSMENT
Photography lessons will engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own photographic work. Students will be encouraged to think critically and develop an understanding of photography and how it both reflects and shapes our history and contributes to cultural creativity.
Throughout the course, students are continuously assessed against Assessment Objectives in Key Stages 4 and 5.
Aims and links to KS4 and KS5
- Produce creative work, Explore ideas and record experiences. (Links to KS4 and 5 – AQA A01, A03) • Become proficient in the technical and aesthetic aspects of photography, such as, aperture, shutter, ISO, white balance, lighting etc. (Links to KS4 and 5 – AQA A02, A03 and A04)
- Evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of Photography. Learn about great photographers and understand the historical and cultural development of different art forms. (Links to KS4 and 5 – AQA A01, A03 and A04)
For further details, please see the following:
FURTHER READING
Recommended Museum websites:
Art UK – https://artuk.org/
Culture24 – https://www.culture24.org.uk/
MuseumsUK or Museums.co.uk – https://museumsuk.com/
Arts & Culture – https://artsandculture.google.com/
The following books are recommended and available within the department library, (plus many more!)
Drawing Projects: An Exploration of the Language of Drawing
By Mick Maslen & Jack Southern
A practical and inspiring book that helps you experiment with drawing ideas — great for starting projects and developing sketchbook work.
Art: The Whole Story
By Elizabeth Goring
A superb visual overview of art history from prehistoric to contemporary art — ideal for Contextual studies and contextual analysis.
Art: The Whole Story
By Elizabeth Goring
A superb visual overview of art history from prehistoric to contemporary art — ideal for Contextual studies and contextual analysis.
Art Now: Volumes (1–8)
Various authors (Taschen)
Visual overview of contemporary artists — excellent for A-Level research & personal study.
The Painter’s Handbook
By Mark David Gottsegen
Great reference for materials and techniques — especially handy for A Level when you’re experimenting with media.
The Story of Art
By E.H. Gombrich
A classic art history text — readable and comprehensive. Perfect for contextual essays and understanding movements.
GCSE Art & Design: AQA Exam Skills Handbook
Specific to the exam board, practical tips for assessments.
Photography: The Definitive Visual History
By Tom Ang
Perfect for photography projects, including context & technique.
Learning journey
GCSE
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A Level
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Revision resources
Photography revision Resources:
AQA - Photography GCSE
AQA - Photography A-Level
GCSE Bitesize