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

Why do we learn Photography?

Ark Alexandra’s Art & Photography Curriculum aims to: 

  • Promote an interest in traditional and contemporary art from the local community and the wider world. 

  • Inspire a love of creating and provide opportunities for students to experiment with different materials, 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 artists 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 difference by acknowledging individuality and the understanding that every person deserves to be valued. 

Head of Department

Head of Art and Design Technology

Kelly Hawes

Studying Photography at GCSE

Year 10

Autumn 1, 2 and Spring 1, 2

Project Isolation

  • Students will explore the theme of isolation. 
    They will explore photographers linked to this theme and create responses inspired by this research. 

  • Students will take part in a series of workshops such as light painting and fast shutter speed using tanks of water to create freeze frame imagery.  This will link to the project theme and help develop ideas. 

  • By term three Students will be expected to be independent and develop their own ideas and use photo shop to develop ideas and create high level outcomes. 
Summer 1 and 2
Theme Identity

  • This will be the beginning of year 11 independent project. Students will decide on the direction and have control over the artists they investigate. They will continue this project into term one and two of year 11.

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 theme widely, including artists and art movements
  • 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