Key stage 3

Photography is experienced by all students at key stage 3 as part of the design and technology rotation. In year 7 the focus is on developing some of the basic settings such as aperture and manual/auto focus.  Students then get to creatively apply these skills to Legography. Year 8 explores the use of digital editing software such as Photoshop and students creatively apply digital drawing to photographs. Finally, year 8 students move on to experimenting with lighting and shutter speed within a horror theme. Year 9 focuses on creative careers, students explore the use of photography within the commercial industry and produce their own adverts, album covers and magazine covers.

Aims of the subject

We aim to:

  • build on students’ knowledge , skills and application so they are confident to produce creative outcomes
  • build on students’ understanding of compositional elements within photography.
  • build on students’ understanding of cameras and build on their confidence applying these skills.
  • build on students understanding of the many different photographers and influences.
  • gain skills and confidence in articulating their understanding of photography through evaluating and analysis.

Key stage 4

Photography is a creative subject and this course suits students with an interest in photography who are considering a career in this area. The course supports students’ abilities to work independently outside of the classroom, and to use complex pieces of equipment.

Exam board: AQA
Qualification type: GCSE
Contact: Miss Brackett
ebrackett@holgate-ac.org.uk

What will I learn?

Students will demonstrate their ability to:

  • explore a range of approaches to a theme and experiment with a variety of technical processes, materials and media
  • research and investigate photographers to help develop ideas in their work
  • develop, refine and evaluate their ideas through a variety of records such as mood boards, sketchbooks and notebooks
  • show a technical development and exploration of lighting, equipment and locations
  • produce and present a personal response
  • extend ideas through the use of image manipulation software, formal elements and compositions

How will I be assessed?

  • Coursework
  • Practical exam

Future pathways and careers

  • Further study of photography
  • Photographer
  • Filmmaker
  • Graphic designer
  • Marketing
HSFC Graphic 1