This photography resource is designed to empower KS4 and KS5 art and design students in analysing artists’ works and applying these analytical skills to their own practical endeavors. The accompanying booklet delineates 22 essential topics and provides sentence starters for dissecting the ‘mise en scene’ of an image. These topics are illustrated with examples from contemporary artists such as Gregory Crewdson, Alex Prager, and Gilbert & George. Successfully employed with both GCSE and A-level students in Photography and Graphic Design, the resource aligns with the imperative for GCSE art and design students to “develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.” Functioning as a cornerstone for the theoretical and literary aspects of the art and design curriculum, this resource encourages students to cultivate a habit of researching others’ works to deepen their comprehension and knowledge. This, in turn, equips students with a broad artistic vocabulary, enabling them to employ subject-specific terminology in analysing artworks with precision. The emphasis on accurate, effective, and analytical writing about their own and others’ artworks contributes to their growth as artistic practitioners.

This lesson invites both A Level and GCSE photography students on a captivating visual journey into the evocative world of renowned photographer Gregory Crewdson. With a focus on fostering independent learning and interactive class discussions, the lesson aims to fulfill the objective of analyzing and demonstrating critical understanding of Crewdson’s work. Objective: Analyse and demonstrate understanding of Gregory Crewdson’s work, fulfilling the AO1 assessment criteria of “Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.” Within the resource you will find a detailed minute by minute lesson plan and a slides to match so you can run through the lesson with confidence and ease. Students will be engaged and eager to participate as Crewdsons’ work promotes discussion.

The ‘Artist Booklet’ serves as a vital art and design resource meticulously crafted to enhance students’ proficiency in artist research. Recognizing that artist research constitutes a substantial 25% of the overall grade at both GCSE and A Level, the booklet focuses on guiding students to “develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.” This emphasis on investigative thinking is pivotal within the theoretical and literary aspects of art and design courses. The booklet breaks down the components crucial for effective artist research, cleverly coined as the “5 C’s.” This mnemonic not only simplifies the learning process but also ensures accessibility, providing students with a memorable framework for success in their artistic investigations. Encouraging students to cultivate a routine of exploring and comprehending the works of other artists, the resource underscores the significance of reading as a means to broaden their understanding and knowledge. By doing so, students are empowered to amass and wield a diverse art vocabulary, incorporating subject-specific terminology to articulate insightful analyses of artwork. The booklet further instills the skills of precise and effective written expression, enabling students to articulate their thoughts accurately and analytically both about their own work and that of others. This comprehensive approach is geared towards fostering the development and refinement of students’ artistic practice. It provides a structured pathway for students to transition from initial idea development to the consolidation phase, culminating in the creation of polished final outcomes. In essence, the ‘Artist Booklet’ is a strategic tool that not only contributes significantly to academic success but also nurtures the growth of students as discerning and articulate artistic practitioners.