Art & Photography 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

Careers Linked to Art and Photography

LEARNING JOURNEY