Photography
Subject Overview
Photography at Langdon Academy supports students in developing core knowledge and skills. The curriculum is designed to be engaging, inclusive and aligned with national standards.
Curriculum Intent
GCSE Photography provides students with a wide range of exciting creative opportunities, encouraging students to actively explore and engage in photographic processes and express their interests. Through creative, critical and practical skills, students develop imaginative and intuitive ways of working. Knowledge and understanding of a diverse range of media, materials and technologies is taught through an engagement with cultural, historical and contemporary contexts. Our course uses digital editing packages to equip students for further education and industry.
Curriculum Implementation
The curriculum is delivered through structured lessons, hands-on learning, and regular formative assessments. Lessons are sequenced to build on prior knowledge and prepare students for examinations. We encourage students to explore and experiment with a wide range of photographic techniques. They explore ideas, materials and processes, which can include documentary photography, photo-journalism, studio photography, location photography, experimental imagery, installation imagery and moving image and animation. Drawing and recording in all its forms including digital manipulation (through Photoshop editing) and mixed media collage support the work. Students research a given theme which they will research and develop through formal genres from still life to portraiture, the built environment and landscape photography. As inspiration they are asked to respond to the work of other artists, photographers, designers and crafts people, and visit museums and galleries. This will help inform and develop their personal enquiry and responses.
Curriculum Impact
We measure the impact of our curriculum through internal assessments, external qualifications, and student feedback. Our aim is for all students to achieve their full potential. The process and development of their creative journey will be presented through sketchbooks and portfolios. These will be used to support their final personal responses. We mark according to the assessment Objectives and criteria set out by Pearson.
Curriculum Map
Enrichment Opportunities
Students have access to clubs, trips, guest speakers, and other enrichment activities to broaden their understanding and enthusiasm for the subject. Students are taken on a number of trips to build their cultural capital, including trips to the V and A Museum and Saatchi Gallery and workshops at the National Portrait Gallery and Ravensbourne University. Students are also encouraged to attend the Creative Careers fair that we hold in collaboration with Bow Arts.
Supporting Students
We support SEND, EAL and more able learners through differentiation, targeted support, and extension opportunities.
How Parents/Carers Can Support Their Child
Support practical project work at home and encourage experimentation. Visits to galleries or design exhibitions are also beneficial.
Useful websites:
Assessment and Feedback
KS3: Assessed through design projects, making tasks, and evaluations. Feedback helps refine design process and material handling.
GCSE: Coursework portfolio (60%) and a final exam project (40%). Feedback targets refinement, experimentation, and presentation quality.
Future Pathways
Photography offers pathways into photojournalism, commercial photography, advertising, and media. It supports progression to creative arts and digital media studies. As a subject Photography develops critical thinking skills required for a complex global society, cognitive Skills including learning to describe, explain and evaluate. It also fosters personal skills including communication and problem solving skills.