Why do we learn photography?
Head of Department
Studying photography at GCSE
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12

Why do we learn photography?

Ark Alexandra’s Photography Curriculum aims to:

  • Promote interest in photography from the local community and the wider world.
  • Inspire a love of creating and provide opportunities for students to experiment with different techniques and processes.
  • Cultivate students’ ability and confidence to express themselves, and the value of their own and others’ experiences.
  • Challenge and stretch our students as photographers to develop their personal potential and open doors to career pathways.
  • Support students to be independent, self-motivated and resilient.

Students are encouraged to reflect which is a distinctive principle of Christianity and other faiths. They also learn to celebrate differences by acknowledging individuality and understanding that every person deserves to be valued.

Head of Department

Head of Art and Design

Kelly Hawes

Studying photography at GCSE

Year 10

Autumn 1 Autumn 2
Recording Observations and Research Experimentation and Personal Response
  • Introduction to GCSE assessment criteria
  • Introduction to Camera equipment.
  • Introduction to photoshop.
  • What is a contact sheet and its importance?
  • Annotation and key vocabulary
  • In depth investigation of an artist

Food Magazine project:

  • Workshops using slow and fast shutter speeds
  • Experimentation with materials and techniques using own source material
  • Development of a personal response using photoshop and editing.
Spring 1 Spring 2

Research, Recording, Development and Response

 Independent Project

Continuation of Food project:

  • Artist investigations
  • Recording observations in response to research
  • Planning, development and refinement of ideas and compositions
  • Experimentation with techniques and processes to make personal responses

Photography and the Narrative:

  • Research Barbara Kruger
  • Start of independent project.
  • Investigation and presentation of research on the chosen theme
  • Initial responses and idea development
Summer 1 Summer 2
- -
- -

All Year 10 subjects Next Year 10 Subject - Business Studies

Year 11

Autumn 1 Autumn 2
Independent Project Independent Project
  • Review intentions
  • Artist Investigations
  • Recording observations
  • Experimentation and extending ideas
  • Recording observations and experimentation
  • Planning and refinement of ideas
  • Creation of final response or responses
Spring 1 Spring 2
Externally Set Exam Externally Set Exam
  • Exam paper - select a theme from the options provided by the exam board
  • Research and investigate themes widely, including artists and art movement
  • Initial responses
  • Record ideas and observations through a range of materials, techniques and processes
  • Idea development
Summer 1 Summer 2
Externally Set Exam -
  • Further experimentation and planning of refined ideas
  • Creation of final responses
 -

All Year 11 subjects Next Year 11 Subject - Business Studies

Year 12

Autumn 1 Autumn 2
Portfolio Portfolio
  • Introduction to A-level, assessment criteria and presentation of work
  • Camera confidence
  • Key terminology and annotation
  • Digital editing techniques
  • Media experimentation
  • Photographer investigations
  • Planning and presentation of responses
  • Camera confidence and settings
  • Exploration in response to a theme drawing upon a variety of areas of study such as still life, landscape, portraiture and/or fashion
  • Darkroom processes
  • Experimental and multimedia imagery
  • Photographer investigations and responses
Spring 1 Spring 2
Personal Investigation Personal Investigation
  • Investigation and presentation of research on chosen theme, issue or concept
  • Planning and responses recording ideas and observations
  • Exploration of materials, techniques and processes
  • Photographer investigations
  • Planning and idea development
Summer 1 Summer 2
Personal Investigation Personal Investigation
  • Image editing and manipulation
  • Experimentation and extending ideas
  • Audience, purpose and presentation
  • Creation of personal responses

All Year 12 subjects Next Year 12 Subject - Business Studies