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Photography
The Team
| curriculum leader | Miss Pattinson |
|---|---|
| second in department | Miss Moss |
| art technician | Mrs Dix-Beer |
| Art Trainee | Miss Presco |
What is Photography and why is it important?
Photography is the art, application, and practice of creating durable images by recording light, either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film.
Photographs are taken to highlight and document important aspects of our lives and context. The art of editing allows us to use our imagination and creativity to manipulate and create outcomes that never existed. When we look at the world that surrounds us, are eyes are bombarded by visual delights and we document this by taking Photographs and capturing it on film. Whether that be for commercial, artistic or documentary purposes. We teach Photography in school to expose students to discover their ability, skill, and enjoyment in the subject, so they can potentially develop into the next sport, wedding, product, or travel photographers to name a few career choices.
What do students learn in Photography?
In year 9 we start with the foundations of Photography: understanding the history of the camera, developing students' skills and knowledge of the functions of the camera and a focus on the compositional elements of photography as well as studying a range of genres. We work on each formal element individually to build their knowledge and understanding and begin the journey of mastering these transferable skills when using varied materials, processes and techniques. Students also expand their knowledge of different processes and techniques using Photoshop to creatively manipulate and edit their photographs. In year 10 and 11, students develop these newfound skills as building block as the progress through the course.
Students are taught and encouraged to:
- Be engaged with artwork from diverse cultures and different eras.
- Form opinions and respond to artwork.
- Think conceptually about the work of others and their own outcomes.
- Make connections with other subjects and the ‘real world’ in the task that they are completing.
- Initiate innovative ideas.
- Express ideas in unique ways and form diverse perspectives.
- See mistakes as opportunities to learn.
- Problem solves through reasoning and understanding.
- Understand and appreciate where persistence can get you.
Summary of curriculum content
Link to Photography Learning Journey
Year 9 – Students will learn fundamental photography skills such as the history of the camera, camera functions, photoshop editing skills, annotation skills and presentation skills. Students will research a variety of photographers such as Sarah Graham, Edward Weston, Karl Blossfeldt, Horst Hamann and Slinkachu and use these to take and edit their own photographs. All work is presented on a powerpoint throughout their GCSE.
Year 10 – Students will deepen their skill level of taking successful photos, try some more complex editing techniques on photoshop and have more independence all under the project Make to Take, Take to Make. They will also present final pieces however they feel will be most successful considering what they are trying to achieve.
Year 11 – Students will produce an independent project at the beginning of the year before they move on to their Exam work in the spring term where they will be independently researching photographers, take photoshoots and creating work in response to those artists and using their creativity to come up with a final outcome and document this along the way.
Challenge and support in Photography
The Photography department set tasks that students believe are out of reach of their ability or skill range, but we know will be achievable through responsive teaching. We then build their confidence by breaking tasks down, modelling, teaching the tasks success criteria, using peer and self-assessment, giving verbal, and written feedback, and providing lots of praise. When completing the task students realise, they can achieve so much more than they first believed they could. We challenge and expose our students to ideas and photography that make them not just think about the aesthetics of what they are producing but also consider the concept of their work, whether it be spiritual, moral, social, or cultural.
How is Photography assessed?
In Key Stage 4 students work towards attaining a GCSE qualification in Photography. A broad range of skills and techniques are developed and explored; students work towards being fully independent in their practice.
Students strive to meet the four assessment objectives provided by the exam board for both coursework and exam. Student are given verbal and written feedback to guide them to meet the assessment objectives.
Learning beyond the classroom
Home learning in Art
In KS4 students will get weekly assignments that link to coursework that they are completing in the lesson. We have an open-door policy in Photography and students can complete this work during any break/lunch if they wish to use the school facilities to complete this.
Where can Photography lead?
The creative industries sector contributed £124bn to the UK economy in 2023. The links below will help open understand all the different career choices. The Prospects link will provide information about education, explanation of the role and salaries that can be earnt.