Photography
Vision
At Birchwood, we want to foster a love of creativity and appreciation of photography through introducing pupils to a range of photographers, artists, techniques and processes that encourage originality and personal responses. Our curriculum navigates pupils through the crucial stages of developing ideas, creating, refining and evaluating, all underpinned with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to approach the subject with confidence.
We want students to understand the wider use of photography and be aware of the exciting range of careers it can lead to. We also want our pupils to understand the power of photography as a form of communication, exploring how images can convey emotion, identity, ideas and meaning. Through experimentation with cameras, editing and hand manipulation, we encourage pupils to see photography as a creative process rather than simply taking photographs.
How do we cover the KS3 National Curriculum and beyond?
We believe that covering the KS3 National Curriculum is hugely important, but we also recognise how crucial it is for students to be exposed to wider knowledge beyond this.
We ensure that we cover the KS3 National Curriculum through the following:
- Year 7: Explore the fundamentals of photography and the formal elements through a range of photographers, practical processes and photographic outcomes
- Year 8: Explore portrait photography and how artists use photography, text and mixed media to communicate identity, emotion and meaning
- Year 9: Explore perspective, scale and viewpoint through forced perspective photography, surrealism and mixed-media outcomes
Beyond the curriculum, we provide:
- KS4 intervention
- Photography enrichments
- House competitions
- Artist workshops
- School trips
What do we cover in KS4 and how do we aspire towards KS5?
The structure for Photography during KS4 is designed to ensure pupils feel confident and competent with the skills, processes and techniques needed to meet the assessment objectives, whilst fostering a love of creativity and encouraging individual and personal responses. Throughout the course, pupils will be introduced to a wide range of photographers and artists and develop a rich descriptive vocabulary whilst analysing key features of their work. They will be encouraged to experiment with a wide range of photographic processes, materials and techniques, reflecting on their work and refining outcomes throughout the course.
Assessment Objectives
AO1: Develop ideas through investigation, demonstrating a critical understanding of sources.
AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting, and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, processes and techniques.
AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.
AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates an understanding of visual language.
| Component 1, project 1 | 30% |
| Component 1, project 2 | 30% |
| Externally set assignment | 40% |
We want to ensure that our students feel prepared for life beyond KS4 and aspire to continue to study Photography at KS5. To do this effectively we:
- Discuss the broad range of careers within the photography and creative industries.
- Alumni talks from KS5 Photography students.
- Artist and photographer workshops.
- Discuss courses offered at KS5.
- Develop the skills necessary for progressing onto KS5.
- Analyse a range of photographers and artists so pupils develop a broad descriptive vocabulary.
- Consistently reflect and refine work.
