Photography
Our intent within Photography is to nurture and embed life skills which can be utilised throughout life, allowing students to embrace their creativity while developing independent, self-confident learners. Our cultural capital opportunities will encourage students to appreciate the work of others within real-life situations, opening eyes onto the world beyond the school gates. Our ambitious, accessible curriculum offers set high expectations and aspirations across a range of specialisms to ensure students to go on to lead happy and successful lives.
Key Stage 4
Exam board: EdExcel
Students in Year 9 who opt to take Photography will complete a diverse range of workshops covering composition, focus, exposure, colour and lighting. They also follow a series of exercises designed to develop Photoshop based digital editing skills, they are taught to develop traditional photography skills using the school darkroom and they learn to use studio equipment effectively. Students also develop a personal project with ideas of their choosing, covering skills in portraiture, still-life, landscape and macro photography. GCSE students are encouraged to access the darkroom facilities outside normal lesson times.
Term 1 – Photography theory, Darkroom Techniques and Nature project
Term 2 – Photoshop skills and ideas of their own choice
Term 3 – Photoshop skills, Physical editing skills and ideas of their own choice
During Years 10 and 11, students will take an independent approach to their GCSE personal project and will select their own ideas to investigate. This theme will be explored and developed using a wide range of skills and techniques reflecting the style of both contemporary and historic artist links. The pupils will produce an exciting and original personal portfolio in reflection of the four assessment objectives and will explore a range of photographic techniques.
Key Stage 5
Exam board: AQA
Component 1: Personal investigation 96 marks (60%)
Students are required to conduct a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. There is no restriction on the scale of practical work produced. It must confirm understanding of creative decisions, providing evidence of all four assessment objectives by:
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clarifying the focus of the investigation
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demonstrating critical understanding of contextual and other sources
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substantiating decisions leading to the development and refinement of ideas
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recording ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions by reflecting critically on practical work
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making meaningful connections between, visual, written and other elements.
Component 2: Externally set assignment 96 marks (40%)
Students are to choose one question from a range of questions supplied by the exam board. Following receipt of the paper, students need to consider their starting points and select one. Following a preparation period, students have a 15-hour period to produce their finished outcome. There is no restriction on the scale of work produced.
Department Staff
Mrs K Cato - Curriculum Leader
Mr E Clayton - Assistant Curriculum Lead
Mrs K Gibbs - Art and Photography Teacher
Ms J Hawes - Design Technology, Art and Photography Technician
Mr P Bates - Design Technology, Art and Photography Technician
Useful websites and resources
www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/art/ - Useful glossary of terms and advice on techniques
www.YouTube.com step-by-step videos – search the technique you want help/advice on.
www.studentartguide.com - lots of articles and advice from teachers and students. Includes lots of examples of very high-quality art portfolios from all over the world. Perfect inspiration for all years.
| Subject Documents |
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| Photography Curriculum Map |