Introduction

Photography at Forest Hill School gives students the tools to capture and record their own way of looking at the world. We teach students how to confidently use a digital SLR camera and understand the settings to create high-quality photographs.

We explore a range of styles, techniques and mediums and gain influence from the work of both contemporary photographers and artists as well as the world around us. We aim for students to become accomplished, confident photographers who can use the transferrable skills gained in other areas of their study or work.

We offer Photography as a GCSE option (Key Stage 4) and for A-Level (Key Stage 5). Both courses allow students to explore how photography can be used as an artistic medium as well as a tool for communicating our thoughts, feelings and values. The courses are digitally based but include some darkroom aspects as well as art-based manipulation.

Photography Curriculum Map

Photography at Key Stage 4

Students can opt to study Photography for GCSE. They are taught how to use the settings on the digital SLR camera and other specialist photography equipment. The principles of photography are taught through a series of lessons shaped around the formal elements: line, repetition and pattern, texture, tone, space, shape, composition, scale, light and colour.

Students will also analyse and research traditional and modern photography and use this to inform their own work. We introduce students to some simple darkroom techniques and they will learn how to use the photo-editing software Adobe Photoshop.

The Photography course is split into two components: Coursework (60% of overall grade) and an Externally Set Assignment (40% of overall grade). Within each component students are required to evidence the four assessment objectives: Developing Ideas; Refining work; Recording; and Presenting a Final Outcome.

The Externally Set Assignment runs over 12 weeks concluding with a 10-hour (2 day) exam in which the final outcome is created and presented.

Eduqas GCSE Photography Specification

Photography at Key Stage 5

The Photography A-Level course allows students who studied the subject at GCSE to refresh their practical and analytical skills and introduces those who are new to the subject through a series of teacher-led skills-based sessions.

In Year 12, students will develop their ability to research and analyse both orally and in writing and build upon their practical knowledge and skills through a series of mini projects. Following this, students will explore their own theme through light and lens-based mediums.

Much of Year 13 is self-directed with the student choosing the focus of their practice, supported through tutorials and practical advice from the Photography Department. Students are expected to complete an extended written study (minimum 1000 words) to support their practical outcomes.

The A-level supports and challenges students to be more independent in preparation for further study, with an emphasis on presentation. The course is split into two components: Personal Investigation (60% of overall grade) and an Externally Set Assignment (40% of overall grade).

Within each component students are required to evidence the four assessment objectives: Developing Ideas; Refining work; Recording; and Presenting a Final Outcome.

The Externally Set Assignment runs over 12 weeks concluding with a 10-hour (2 day) exam in which the final outcome is created and presented.

Eduqas A-Level Photography Specification

Enrichment

Forest Hill School takes full advantage of its proximity to central London and takes students on trips to London galleries and selected exhibitions.

Throughout the year the Photography department runs lunchtime and after school clubs allowing students to work on their coursework and also for a bit of creative release from their studies.

KS3 extra-curricular ‘workshops’ are run over 4-week periods to allow students the opportunity to explore Photography in preparation for the GCSE course.

The Photography Department runs internal competitions throughout the year and across all year groups. These, as well as, local and national competitions are promoted through the use of FHS Art and Design social media platforms and the School Bulletin. Our students have been successful in exhibiting as part of the Hold Still exhibition run by the National Portrait Gallery.

GCSE and A-Level students take part in the Sydenham Arts Trail which runs over two weekends in July. They exhibit their work at Forest Hill School alongside other working artists in the local area.