Sandridgebury Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL3 6DB
Photography
Curriculum Intent and Overview
The curriculum covers a wide range of opportunities which run alongside a rich extra-curricular timetable. This includes both creative and STEM elements. Students are extremely proud of their achievements, and they really value the supportive nature and encouragement the department gives them. The curriculum develops and promotes:
- A love for creativity and design
- Critical and lateral thinking, and problem solving
- Independent learning, and transferable skills
The Department
Curriculum Leader: Miss H Bowman
GCSE
Exam Board: AQA
Specification Number: 8206
What will be studied?
The course provides students with the opportunity to develop visual skills and to express ideas by working through a variety of projects.There are opportunities to experiment with different types of photography in order to explore individual strengths and preferences. A wide range of options are available and it is possible to specialise or to work in several areas. Knowledge of contemporary and historical Photography is acquired through work in school and by visiting galleries, museums, workshops and studios.
This course is suitable for students who are:
- keen to develop their visual skills
- committed to and love being creative
- creative, enthusiastic and imaginative
- able to sustain an investigation
- able to enjoy visits to galleries, museums, workshops and studios
- willing to experiment and take risks in their work willing to review their progress and make improvements.
Learning Methods
The GCSE work includes a range of projects and workshop style sessions where girls will get to develop their skills in the use of colour, line, form and texture in photography, along with physical and digital manipulation techniques. Students will also follow a personal investigation on a photography theme of their choice.
Students produce a comprehensive portfolio of work which enables them to progress to level 3 courses such as A level Photography and A level Art and Design
What equipment is needed?
A standard digital camera, or a mobile phone camera is needed to do this course.
We will use the editing software called Photpea, this is a free app you can use at home, and in school on your devices.
A Level
Exam Board: AQA
Specification Number: 7206
What will be studied?
This photography course allows students to demonstrate the ability to go beyond the traditional flat print, by using a variety of techniques and settings: these may include montage, printing onto/incorporating other materials/media, 3D constructions and digital development, installations and work presented as visual essays, for example a book may be produced. Students are able to specialise in the areas in which they are particularly interested through individual project work. Guidance is given in the use of materials and working methods, development of visual ideas and contextual studies.
Assessment:
At the start of the course, most lessons are directed towards broadening experience and the practice of basic methods and materials. Gradually during the course the emphasis changes towards self-directed projects where a more individual response can be achieved within the chosen project brief. Students are provided with a handbook which contains more guidance with specific targets and dates and room for tutorial notes.
Why Photography at St Albans Girls’ School?:
Specialist trained Photography teacher. MAC suite, and Photographic studio and lighting set up.
Expectations of students:
Students are expected to take part in personal and group
visits 
to galleries and exhibitions in order to experience work at first hand. Students must commit to five hours of photography preparation per week. Students must have access to a digital camera. The photography will be created digitally. Students will develop their knowledge of digital manipulation using our Photoshop Suite.
What websites are recommended?
What equipment is needed?
Recommended - a digital SLR, although there are a small number of school cameras that can be lent out to students.
Career paths:
Most photography courses at university require a portfolio for entrance from which they can judge the students' ability, commitment and potential for themselves. Completion of the course will help the students to develop a portfolio of the required standard.
