Photography

Key Contact:  Nigel White, nw@gryphon.dorset.sch.uk

Syllabus Information:

Students are introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of photographic media, techniques and processes. They are made aware of both traditional and new technologies. Students should explore relevant responses to practical examples and are given a choice of tasks to complete depending on areas of interest. Examples are shown through practical and critical activities that demonstrate understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.

Students use e-portfolios to underpin their work where appropriate.

Areas of study: Students are required to work in one or more area(s) of photography, they may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas, examples include: portraiture, landscape photography, still life photography, documentary photography, photojournalism, fashion photography, experimental imagery, multimedia etc.

Skills and techniques: Students will be required to demonstrate skills in all of the following:

• The ability to explore elements of visual language, line, form, colour, pattern and texture in the context of photography
• Awareness of intended audience or purpose for their chosen area(s) of photography
• The ability to respond to an issue, theme, concept or idea, or work to a brief or answer a need in photography
• Appreciation of viewpoint, composition, aperture, depth of field, shutter speed and movement
• Appropriate use of the camera, film, lenses, filters and lighting for work in their chosen area(s) of photography
• Understanding of techniques related to the production of photographic images and, where appropriate, presentation and layout.

Students must show knowledge and understanding of:

• Relevant materials, processes, technologies and resources
• How ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and artefacts created in their chosen area(s) of photography
• How images and artefacts relate to social, environmental, cultural and/or ethical contexts, and to the time and place in which they were created
• A working vocabulary and specialist terminology that is relevant to their chosen area(s) of photography.

Course Content

Year 12

• Half Term 1: Camera Introduction & standard ways of working
• Half Term 2: The Dozen task 1
• Half Term 3: The Dozen task 2 & 3
• Half Term 4: The Dozen task 4
• Half Term 5: Component 1 Introduction and Critical Studies
• Half Term 6: Component 1 Critical Studies (written element)

Year 13

• Half Term 1: Component 1 Critical Studies (practical outcome)
• Half Term 2: Component 1 Development and experimentations
• Half Term 3: Component 2 Critical Studies
• Half Term 4: Component 2 Development and experimentations
• Half Term 5: Component 2 Final developments and imagery

Assessment

Work in year 12 & 13 is assessed on a regular basis. Critical studies and other written elements are a key part of success in the course. Students are asked to submit their e-portfolio at the end of each half term for deep marking and progress check.

Homework

There is a high expectation that students will work on their photography work for at least 3 hours in every week outside of lesson. This includes shoot planning and completion of shoots (travelling to locations etc.).

KS5 Progression

At Key Stage 5, students build upon the technical and creative foundations established at GCSE, developing a more sophisticated understanding of photography as a visual language and contemporary art form. Following the Eduqas A Level Photography specification, students engage in increasingly independent study, exploring themes, concepts and issues through personal investigations and sustained practical work.

Students are encouraged to take ownership of their creative direction, conducting in-depth research into photographers, artists and visual culture while critically evaluating how these influences shape their own practice. Practical work is supported by the development of advanced technical skills, including studio photography, lighting techniques, image manipulation and digital post-production. Students learn to select and apply processes purposefully, refining their work through experimentation, reflection and review.

Throughout the course, students are expected to think critically, take creative risks and develop a personal visual style.

KS5 End point

By the end of Key Stage 5, students will have developed into confident, independent photographers who can combine technical skill with creative and conceptual understanding. They will be able to plan, manage and realise sustained photographic projects that demonstrate originality, personal engagement and a clear sense of purpose.

Students will have a strong understanding of photographic theory and practice, enabling them to critically analyse and evaluate the work of photographers, artists and wider visual culture using appropriate specialist terminology. They will be confident in using a range of photographic equipment, studio facilities and digital editing processes to produce high-quality outcomes.

Through their Personal Investigation and Externally Set Assignment, students will demonstrate the ability to research, experiment, refine and present work in line with the Eduqas Assessment Objectives. They will be capable of making informed creative decisions, responding thoughtfully to ideas and influences, and producing work that reflects their individual interests and perspectives.

Students completing Key Stage 5 will be well prepared for progression to higher education, apprenticeships and careers within photography, art and design, media and the wider creative industries. They will leave with the confidence, independence and visual literacy needed to engage with photography beyond the classroom.

Useful information, links and resources

More information on course content:  Course Specification

Exam board course information:  Course information

17 of the “best” photographer websites: The 17 best photography websites | Creative Bloq

How to analyse a photograph: Image Analysis – Photography (weebly.com)

Depth of field simulator: DOF simulator – Camera depth of field calculator with visual background blur and bokeh simulation.

(Article) – 50 great photographers of all time: The 50 best photographers ever | Digital Camera World.