Photography

Our vision for a Remarkable experience is to equip students to be able to access the creativity of photography by developing practical, contextual and analytical skills and knowledge from the foundations of the formal elements in Art. We develop our students to be confident, independent learners with the imagination and creativity to think differently.

Developing Moral Capital

In Photography students will constantly take part in practical activities and be involved in photoshoots. Students will need to be aware of moral issues such as Being responsible while taking photographs in and around the school and the public; being respectful to each other, their subjects and public when photographing; in class discussions students will need to be considerate of other people's insights and perception of images.

Developing Social Capital

In Photography we aim to develop social capital through our focus on Communication Skills. Students continuously have to analyse artists and different practitioners and this is through both class discussions where they have to articulate their thoughts to their peers and also through written analysis in their sketch book. Students have to communicate through written work and class discussions their own personal photography work and how they can develop it further. 

Developing Cultural Capital

Photography as an art form naturally lends itself to developing cultural awareness and capital and at TTC, this means students exploring a range of artistic works and influences from around the world.  This is supported through the range of artists we introduce to students throughout their coursework  - we encourage personal engagement and genuine interest in cultural influences. Cultural background is a key part to learning about the artist and how their work is developed.  Throughout the course, we offer a range of school trips - Photography Galleries and museum opportunities. Our lunchtime photography club provides further opportunities for developing understanding and appreciation of cultural influences, including exploration of self.

Developing Knowledge Capital

In Photography, students’ knowledge is developed in a variety of ways in both the content and delivery. They develop knowledge through expert teaching of a well-sequenced and knowledge-rich curriculum. We are pleased to be able to offer our students access to a range of photography processes that are industry standard:

We have an extensive catalogue of artists to whom students are guided to analyse and trial techniques. Those who wish to extend their knowledge and experience further are able to engage with our full range of extracurricular clubs and activities at Key Stages 3 and 4.  At Key Stage 5, our students’ work is grander in scope and scale, where they are able to capitalise on the opportunities they have experienced in their lower school and GCSE study. 

Developing Community Capital

Extracurricular clubs across the Creative and Performing Arts allow students to work with  students from diverse backgrounds. By doing so students learn to accept and respect cultural differences. Students develop the ability to tell between right and wrong through discussion and debate in class, particularly when exploring the experiences of different artists and communities over time.  We encourage purposeful participation in activities and events throughout the year to ensure our students are active and cognisant of their place in the community and feel able to use their voice for the good of themselves and others.

Curriculum Roadmaps - KS4

Curriculum Roadmaps - KS5

Key Stage 4

Students will study towards a GCSE in Photography for 2.5 hours per week. The course is made up of 60% coursework and 40% exam. This course will involve students in: generating and developing ideas, informed by other artists work; refining ideas through experimenting, developing and applying skills; researching, recording, analysing and reviewing their own and others work; creating and presenting personally developed pieces. 

Coursework (Unit 1) is produced as a Personal Portfolio in Photography. This will be produced around selected themes, aiming to give students a wide understanding of Photography as well as experience of techniques and practices. The work for assessment will be produced under controlled conditions. 

The exam (Unit 2) is an externally set assignment that takes place at the end of the GCSE course. The exam itself consists of a 10 hour period of sustained focus in exam conditions, although the preparation for this exam is also assessed. Students will be given a broad theme as a starting point and will begin work on this unit in the second half of Year 11. It is perfect for students who are creative and analytical. 

Key Stage 5

Through observation and analysis students will research and discover new artists that allow them to develop their own visions. Students will learn camera and editing techniques, as well as the ability to develop, execute and evaluate their own creative concepts. While there is more emphasis on digital photography, the course will experiment with traditional analogue photography. 

Students produce a portfolio of work from starting points, topics or themes. The focus is on including work that shows exploration, research and acquisition of techniques and skills. The course is structured into small assignments across year one and a more independent led study in year two.