Photography

"Photography is the story I fail to put into words" - Destin Sparks

Photography Is....

Photography is the study of visual communication, where technical skills and creative expression combine to capture, interpret and communicate ideas about the world around us. The curriculum provides students with opportunities to develop artistic, technical and analytical skills while encouraging creativity, curiosity and independent thinking.

At Key Stage 4, students explore both traditional photographic techniques and contemporary digital practices. Through a range of practical projects, they learn to use cameras confidently, control composition, lighting and exposure and enhance images using industry-standard editing software. Students investigate the work of influential photographers. developing an understanding of how visual language can be used to communicate meaning, emotion and narrative.

Guided by the Pearson BTEC Tech Award specification in Year 10 and AQA specification in Year 11, students develop knowledge of photographic techniques, visual elements, creative processes and professional presentation. Photography empowers students to independently research, plan, create, refine and evaluate their work while developing resilience, problem-solving skills and confidence in their own creative voice. The subject prepares students for further study and careers within the creative industries by equipping them with the technical expertise, visual literacy and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in an increasingly image-driven world.

Photography Curriculum Map

KS Year Autumn 1 Autumn 2 Spring 1 Spring 2 Summer
4 Photo 10

Places and Spaces

This unit explores landscape photography in natural and urban environments. Students will learn to create compelling images that tell stories about places and spaces and explore photo editing techniques. Studying renowned photographers, you will develop skills to transform raw images into artistic statements, creating your own visual language to express your perspective on your surroundings.

Component 1 - Creative Practice

Working from an exam board provided theme, students develop a portfolio that demonstrates how artists and photographers explore ideas, experiment with techniques and refine creative outcomes. Students investigate the work of photographers and artists, analyse visual language, plan and carry out independent photoshoots, experiment with digital editing and present a range of photographic outcomes. 

Throughout the component, students build the skills needed to:

  • Investigate photographers and artist
  • Develop and communicate creative ideas 
  • Plan purposeful photoshoots
  • Use manual and digital photography techniques
  • Experiment with editing and image manipulation
  • Review and refine their work
  • Evaluate decisions and explain creative intentions

The emphasis is on developing an individual response through sustained experimentation, reflection and refinement, rather than producing a single final image.

Preparing for Component 2

Students consolidate the knowledge and skills developed during Component 1 by completing a series of independent photography challenges based on a range of creative themes.

Students will develop their ability to:

  • Interpret creative themes
  • Generate multiple ideas
  • Select appropriate photographers for research
  • Plan purposeful photoshoots
  • Work independently
  • Experiment confidently
  • Refine images through editing
  • Justify creative decisions
  • Evaluate and improve their work
  11

Narratives

This project focuses on creating visual narratives through photography. Students will explore how incorporating text can alter or enhance an image's meaning and story. By studying established artists who use this technique, students will develop skills to craft their own narrative images, combining visuals and text to convey powerful messages.

Externally Set Task

In January, the Exam Board will release a selection of diverse themes for students to choose from. This marks the beginning of the externally set assignment, a crucial component of the GCSE assessment. Students will have approximately 12 weeks to develop their chosen theme into a comprehensive project, exploring various artists, techniques and ideas. The project culminates in a 10-hour supervised exam session, typically spread across two days, during which students will create their final piece.

  

GCSE Exams:

  • Year 11 - AQA GCSE Photography
  • Year 10 - BTEC Tech Awards: Art and Design Practice