Curriculum Intent

At Washington Academy, we believe that Art is an essential discipline that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and personal expression. Our Art and Photography Department provides a vibrant and inclusive learning environment where students can explore their artistic potential, develop technical skills, and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts. 

Our primary objective is to inspire and empower students to discover their unique artistic voices. Through a comprehensive curriculum, we aim to nurture their creativity, enhance their visual literacy, and foster a deep understanding of artistic principles and techniques. We encourage students to experiment with various mediums and approaches, fostering a sense of exploration and innovation. 

In our department, we value both traditional and contemporary art forms. We provide students with opportunities to learn traditional drawing and painting techniques, as well as installation art, sculpture, digital art and photography. Our experienced Art teachers are committed to guiding students through hands-on projects, engaging discussions, and exposure to diverse artistic styles and cultural perspectives. 

We believe that Art and Photography have the power to transcend boundaries and promote empathy and understanding. Through our curriculum, we strive to encourage students to explore their own identities and the world around them, cultivating a sense of cultural appreciation and global awareness. We aim to create a safe and inclusive space where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through art. 

Collaboration is an integral part of our department's philosophy. We promote teamwork, peer critique, and interdisciplinary connections. By engaging in group projects and participating in community exhibitions, our students develop invaluable collaboration and communication skills, preparing them for future endeavours in the Art and Photography industry. 

We are committed to incorporating technology and digital media into our curriculum. We understand that technological advancements have transformed the artistic landscape, and we strive to equip our students with the necessary skills to thrive in a digital age. From image manipulation to Photo editing, our students will have the opportunity to explore the endless possibilities that technology offers in the world of art and photography. 

Ultimately, our Art and Photography department aims to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the arts, nurturing the growth of passionate artists and photographers. We are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment where students can develop their creative potential, explore their artistic identities, and build the foundation for successful futures in the arts. 

 

Curriculum Overview

Art

Year 7

• Autumn Term 1:  Formal Elements
• Autumn Term 2: Formal Elements - My Washington
• Spring Term 1: Flora, insects and foraging
• Spring Term 2: Flora, insects and foraging
• Summer Term 1: Literature, Folklore and Art
• Summer Term 2: Literature, Folklore and Art

Year 8

• Autumn Term 1: Nature- Georgia Okeefe
• Autumn Term 2:  Nature - Georgia Okeefe and Frida Kahlo
• Spring Term 1: Typography - Protest Art - Bob and Roberta Smith
• Spring Term 2:  Typography - Advertisment - Saul Bass
• Summer Term 1:  Human Form- Antony Gormley
• Summer Term 2: Human Form - Antony Gormley

Year 9

• Autumn Term 1: War and Conflict
• Autumn Term 2: War and Conflict
• Spring Term 1: Art workshops
• Spring Term 2: Art workshops
• Summer Term 1: Skulls Project
• Summer Term 2: Skulls Project

Year 10

• Autumn Term 1:  Fromal Elements- Fragments Project
• Autumn Term 2:  Fromal Elements- Fragments Project
• Spring Term 1: Fragments Project
• Spring Term 2:  Personal/Phobias Project
• Summer Term 1: Personal/Phobias Project
• Summer Term 2: Personal/Phobias Project

Year 11

• Autumn Term 1:  Personal Project/Phobias
• Autumn Term 2: Personal Project/Phobias
• Spring Term 1: ESA
• Spring Term 2:  ESA
• Summer Term 1:  ESA and improvement of portfolio
• Summer Term 2:  Final preparation for GCSE examinations

 

Photography

Year 10

• Autumn Term 1:  Photography 101 : Exposure, ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed and Photoshop
• Autumn Term 2:  Photography 101 :  Exposure, ISO,  Aperture, Shutter Speed and Photoshop
• Spring Term 1: Formal Elements
• Spring Term 2:  Formal Elements
• Summer Term 1: Out of Place - Personal Project
• Summer Term 2: Out of Place - Personal Project

Year 11

• Autumn Term 1:  Out of Place - Personal Project
• Autumn Term 2: Out of Place - Personal Project
• Spring Term 1: ESA
• Spring Term 2:  ESA
• Summer Term 1:  ESA and improvement of portfolio
• Summer Term 2:  Final preparation for GCSE examinations