Intent

At Lostock Hall Academy, we believe that creativity is for everyone. Our Art and Photography curriculum is designed to be inclusive, ambitious and inspiring, ensuring that every student, regardless of background, starting point or ability, can develop confidence, creativity and a sense of achievement. 

We aim to nurture curious, independent and resilient learners who are empowered to express their ideas, explore the world around them and recognise their own creative potential. Through engaging and accessible learning experiences, students are encouraged to take risks, embrace challenges and develop a lifelong appreciation of the visual arts.

Through our curriculum, students will: 

  • Develop a passion for Art, Photography and Design by encouraging curiosity, imagination and creative exploration. 
  • Experience a broad, diverse and inclusive curriculum that celebrates different perspectives, cultures and artistic traditions. 
  • Build confidence and self-belief through opportunities to experiment, succeed and reflect on their creative journey. 
  • Develop knowledge and practical skills through the use of a wide range of materials, media, techniques and processes. 
  • Explore the work of artists, photographers and designers from a variety of cultural, social and historical backgrounds. 
  • Understand how art reflects and shapes the world around us, including its historical, cultural, social and political contexts. 
  • Analyse, interpret and evaluate creative work, developing informed opinions and personal responses. 
  • Strengthen transferable skills such as problem-solving, communication, resilience, organisation, collaboration and independent learning. 
  • Refine fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and practical dexterity. 
  • Appreciate the importance of creativity and the arts in enriching lives, communities and society. 
  • Raise aspirations by developing awareness of the wide range of opportunities available within the creative and cultural industries. 
  • Leave Lostock Hall Academy with the confidence, knowledge and qualifications needed to pursue further study, employment or personal interests within the creative sector. 

Implementation

Our curriculum is carefully planned to ensure that all students can access, enjoy and succeed in Art and Photography. Knowledge and skills are sequenced progressively, enabling students to develop confidence and mastery over time while providing opportunities for creativity, independence and personal expression. 

Through a range of engaging projects, students: 

  • Explore exciting themes and creative challenges that inspire imagination and curiosity. 
  • Develop practical skills across a wide variety of artistic and photographic disciplines. 
  • Investigate the work of diverse artists, photographers and designers, reflecting a broad range of cultures, identities and experiences. 
  • Build resilience through experimentation, reflection and refinement of their ideas. 
  • Receive appropriate support and challenge, ensuring that every learner can make meaningful progress and achieve success. 
  • Develop independence and creative confidence through increasingly self-directed learning. 
  • Engage with enrichment opportunities that broaden horizons, raise aspirations and deepen their understanding of the creative world. 

Our inclusive approach ensures that all students feel valued, represented and capable of achieving highly within the subject.

Learning Journey:

Art & Photography Learning Journey

Impact

The impact of our Art and Photography curriculum is reflected in students who are confident, creative and aspirational learners. They develop the skills, knowledge and self-belief needed to participate fully in the arts and to recognise the value of creativity in their future lives. 

Progress is measured through ongoing formative assessment and summative assessment at the end of each scheme of learning or project, enabling students to understand their strengths and celebrate their achievements. 

As a result, students: 

  • Produce high-creative work that demonstrates growing knowledge, technical skill and originality. quality 
  • Develop confidence in expressing ideas, taking creative risks and responding thoughtfully to challenges. 
  • Demonstrate resilience, independence and critical thinking that supports success across the wider curriculum. 
  • Enjoy engaging with the arts and recognise their positive contribution to wellbeing and personal development. 
  • Participate enthusiastically in enrichment opportunities, including workshops, exhibitions and independent projects. 
  • Make informed decisions about future pathways, including further education, apprenticeships and careers within the creative and cultural sectors. 

Strong uptake at GCSE Art and Photography, consistently positive outcomes and progression into Post-16 creative pathways demonstrate the success of the department. Many students continue their creative journeys beyond Key Stage 4 and return to support the department through enrichment activities and work experience opportunities. 

Through an inclusive, ambitious and inspiring curriculum, we ensure that every student feels valued, achieves success and leaves Lostock Hall Academy with the confidence to pursue their aspirations and make a positive contribution to the creative world.