Curating Photo Galleries

Overview

This 40-minute lesson is the ninth in the Year 4 unit "Capturing Creativity: Photography." Students will select their best photographs from previous lessons and create a digital photo gallery. They will learn about the role of curation and presentation in showcasing photographic work. The lesson aligns with the Australian Curriculum's Technologies and The Arts learning areas, especially focusing on digital technologies and visual arts elements relevant to Year 4 students.

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Curriculum Alignment

Australian Curriculum Links

Technologies (Digital Technologies) Year 3-4:

• AC9TDI4P07: Use the core features of common digital tools to share content, plan tasks, and collaborate, following agreed behaviours and supported by trusted adults (e.g., sharing a digital gallery safely and responsibly).
• AC9TDI4P01: Define problems with given design criteria and co-create user stories (students choose photos that best represent their work and why).

The Arts (Visual Arts) Year 3-4:

• AC9AVA4P01: Share and/or display artworks and/or visual arts practice in informal settings (selecting and presenting photographic work).
• AC9AVA4D01: Experiment with visual conventions and processes, including composition and presentation (consideration of layout, balance, emphasis in the gallery).

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Select their best photographic works from prior tasks to create a curated photo gallery.
• Understand the importance of curation, selection, and presentation in communicating artistic ideas and creativity.
• Use digital tools to organise and display images thoughtfully for a specific audience.
• Reflect on their work and describe the choices made in their gallery presentation.

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Resources Required

• Devices with access to the students' previously taken photographs (e.g., tablets or computers).
• Photo gallery creation software or simple digital presentation tools (such as Google Slides, PowerPoint, or a school digital portfolio system).
• Projector or interactive whiteboard for class discussion and demonstration.
• Headphones (optional, if students add captions or audio to their galleries).

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Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Details	Curriculum Links
5 mins	Introduction to Curation and Presentation	Teacher introduces the concept of curation: selecting the "best" photos to show a story or idea and why presentation matters (layout, order, image size). Use examples of famous photo exhibitions or digital galleries.	AC9AVA4D01, AC9AVA4P01, AC9TDI4P01
10 mins	Photo Selection	Students review their collection of photographs taken during previous lessons. Using digital devices, they select 5-7 photographs they feel best represent their creativity and learning.	AC9TDI4P07, AC9AVA4P01
15 mins	Digital Gallery Creation	Guided by the teacher, students arrange selected photos in a digital gallery tool. They decide on order, add simple captions or titles explaining each photo if possible, and consider layout for visual impact. Teacher circulates to support technical and artistic decisions.	AC9TDI4P07, AC9AVA4P01, AC9AVA4D01
7 mins	Sharing and Reflection	Students share their galleries in small groups or pairs, explaining their curation choices and presentation. Discuss how curation impacts the viewer's understanding and enjoyment.	AC9AVA4P01, AC9TDI4P07
3 mins	Wrap-Up and Homework	Teacher summarises key points about curation and presentation. Students are encouraged to think about how different audiences might view their galleries and to prepare for final unit presentation in Lesson 10.	AC9AVA4P01

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Assessment

Formative assessment during activities will focus on:

• The student's ability to select photographs thoughtfully reflecting creativity and learned skills.
• Use of digital tools to organise and present photos clearly and engagingly.
• Oral explanation of curatorial decisions demonstrating understanding of presentation impact.

Observation notes and gallery outputs should be collected to inform feedback and the final assessment for the unit.

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Differentiation and Extension

• Support: Provide guided checklists for photo selection and template gallery layouts for students who need additional structure.
• Extension: Students can add audio recordings describing their photos or create photo captions with more detail to deepen communication of artistic intent.

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Cross-Curriculum Opportunities

• Literacy: Students practice descriptive language in captions and oral explanations.
• ICT Capability: Enhances students' skills in digital organisation, presentation, and safe sharing online.
• Critical and Creative Thinking: Encourages decision-making about what images to include and how presenting images influences meaning.

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Teacher Notes

• Prepare a gallery template ahead with an easy-to-use tool compatible with your devices.
• Emphasise the safe and responsible sharing of digital content in line with AC9TDI4P07.
• Showcase an example digital gallery before students start to inspire and set expectations.
• Encourage peer feedback focusing on positive, constructive comments about curation choices.

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This lesson plan leverages the Australian Curriculum’s emphasis on using digital technologies for creative expression and effective communication, while honouring visual arts practices in curating and presenting artwork. By building students’ understanding of curation, it scaffolds their preparation for the culminating experiences of the photography unit.