What we aim to achieve with students
Our aim is to ensure that Photography education enables our students to make the most of themselves and take the best advantage of the opportunities that they face in a fast changing global economy. We support high standards of creative abilities and technical knowledge, both equally relevant to the needs of future employers and career aspirations. High standards in creative achievement are the cornerstone to the success of our students. We as Photography teachers believe that Creativity is possible in all areas of human activity and all students have creative capacities. Photography develops these creative capacities involving a balance between technical skills and the promotion of freedom to innovate. The AS and A2 courses are designed to motivate students and raise their confidence in this exciting area of the Creative Arts, developing their communication and social interaction skills, as well as encouraging a sense of inquiry and exploration about the world around them.
The courses we run
KS5
We follow the Edexcel exam board Specification. A-level Photography is an endorsed course under the heading of Art and Design. The course is designed to introduce and support students from the beginning to the key technical aspects of setting up, taking and developing photographs both digitally and manually using our newly refurbished dark room and computer suites. The breadth of photographers and artists explored help develop students technical vocabulary and analytical ability placing their own work into a broader framework of history. Students usually enter the course with some experience of basic photography skills and computer literacy. The most successful students are able to work independently, are prepared to commit themselves consistently throughout the course and are willing to visit galleries or other locations to take photos. At AS, in Year 12, the course centres on the technical skills required for lighting, composition, camera skills, Photoshop and dark room work which includes a visit to a museum or gallery. At A2, in Year 13, we follow a more personal form of inquiry which includes a dissertation and practical responses based around a genre of Photography. The course is assessed through coursework (60%) and one examination worth (40%).
Gifted and Talented Students
A subject specialist Photography student demonstrates the following skills:
- Consistently achieves an “A” in CAP assessments.
- Explores media, and processes in a diverse range of experiments showing a high degree of technical skills.
- Highly creative development of ideas through photo shoots.
- Visual language skills evident through assured manipulation of the visual elements.
- Demonstrates independence, perseverance and enthusiasm for the subject through the research.
- Produces work that has a personal Identity and shows subtlety and sensitivity
- Uses research in a purposeful and self-directed manner to inform any practical studies.
Items of particular interest for High Achievers/Subject Specialists
- KS 5 Photography clinics every Monday.
- Year 12 off site visit to Lacock Abbey
- Annual Windsor Arts festival competition and RIBI competition.
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