Photography

Rationale

Photography is an increasingly important Art and Design discipline. In the Folkestone School for Girls we encourage all of our students, not only those studying the formal qualifications in Photography, to improve the way that they deal with and use the visual image. Of course this is not just about the printed photograph, it is also about video, sound, animation, film and digital explorations. Each student is given the opportunity to express themselves through investigations that they choose themselves and the presentation of these images can be as varied as traditional Art and Design subjects. In a world where the image is becoming more and more prominent, and everyday access to photographic technologies and related industries increasing year on year, Photography gives students the opportunity to see their world in a new light.

Overview

Key Stage 3

Students will have a taster project during Y8 where they will learn how to successfully take a photograph with consideration of framing and lighting. Students will then develop their knowledge and skills in using Photoshop to manipulate and edit their photographs. This will enable students to develop their understanding of the specialism of Photography so that they can make an informed decision as to whether or not to opt for the GCSE course.

Key Stage 4

In your first year of GCSE Photography you will learn the foundations of the subject; its history and techniques from its inception in the 1800s to the contemporary practice of today. You will explore photographic techniques on the school site and also at home that will enable you to produce independent work supported by research into relevant photographers. In this year you will also learn about the workings of digital SLR cameras, compositional techniques and Photoshop digital manipulation. Specific research will be within each unit of work in order to inform the photography and an appreciation of art history.

Term 1: Textures (Macro and Micro)

Term 2: Land, Sea and Sky (Composition/Viewpoint/Perspective/Horizon Line)

Term 3: Light and Shadow (Still-Life, Composition/Contrasts/Textures/Narrative)

Term 4 and 5: Portraiture (Narrative/ Lighting/ Chiaroscuro/ Studio)

Term 6: Photo Zines/Comics (Commercial Photography/Narrative/ Layout/ Structure/ Narrative)

Post 16

Students will be taught the skills and techniques experienced by students at GCSE level and much more. The expectations for mature, considered and technically capable work will be expected. Students will learn and perfect digital and analogue photography including experimental and non-lens based techniques. They will support their work through detailed investigations into photographers that influence their own studies. The emphasis is on achieving a balance of technical skill, personal expression and contextual knowledge, with each topic being taught and then further developed by each student’s own aspirations. This is facilitated with support and guidance from the teacher.

Stand-alone workshops/events including Cyanotypes, Studio Photography, Darkroom Techniques, Montage, Collage, Photo-Screen Printing and other media experiences will also play a part in widening each student’s range of experiences before they decide upon and explore their Personal Investigation.

Extra Curricular Opportunities

As with all Art and Design specialisms you will also have the opportunity to enter your work into competitions – everything from the local awards for sketchbooks to regional exhibitions for the whole of Kent. We also believe in enabling students to participate in a school trip either to a place of interest or exhibition as a source of inspiration for their project work.

Online Resources

Exam Boards

GCSE - AQA

A-Level - AQA

If you would like to know more about our curriculum, please do not hesitate to contact the school.