Photography

Photography Curriculum Intent

Our Photography curriculum is purposefully designed to embody our school's core intent: "Knowledge empowers. We build knowledgeable, resilient, skillful and compassionate students, fostering character growth and lifelong learning through a challenging and inclusive curriculum. Our students have a positive view of challenge, dare to think in new ways, are creative, and realise that: 'Life is what I make it!'"

Photography at Shevington High school offers a learning experience that is both broad and balanced, empowering students to explore and develop their visual literacy and creative potential. We believe that through the lens, students are equipped with a powerful tool to capture and communicate ideas, emotions, and stories, demonstrating the truth that "Life is what I make it!" through their unique perspective. Students will be empowered to experiment with a range of photographic techniques and technologies, fostering their ability to see, interpret, and shape the world around them.

Through practical, project-based learning, students will actively develop the knowledge and skills to become highly proficient and discerning photographers:

• Develop Technical Skills: Students will master the fundamentals of photography, including exposure, composition, and focus. This foundational knowledge is crucial for their creative exploration and enables them to apply precise techniques to achieve their artistic vision.
• Explore Creative Expression: We encourage students to experiment with different photographic styles, genres, and perspectives, fostering their ability to "dare to think in new ways" and develop their unique creative voice.
• Understand Visual Language: Students will learn to analyse and interpret images, recognising the immense power of visual communication. This deepens their visual literacy, enabling them to both create impactful images and critically understand the visual world they inhabit.
• Develop Critical Thinking: Through evaluating their own work and the work of others, students will refine their artistic judgment and problem-solving abilities, building resilience and a positive view of challenge in their creative process.
• Engage with the World: Photography provides an unparalleled opportunity to document, explore, and respond to their surroundings, connecting their learning directly to real-world observations and fostering a compassionate understanding of diverse environments and cultures.
• Collaborate and Share: Students will work with peers and share their work with a wider audience, developing their communication skills and contributing to a shared creative community.

By studying photography, students will gain a deep appreciation for the art form and its potential to inspire, inform, and challenge. They will develop the skills and knowledge to become confident, skillful, and creative photographers, ready to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to the visual culture of the future.

Lessons

GCSE Option

Y10-11: 5 hours per fortnight

Staff

Mrs K Penman: Curriculum Leader for Art and Photography

Mrs A Horwood: Teacher of Art and Photography