CURRICULUM

Photography

Head of Creative and Expressive Arts – Mrs Eborall
Head of Photography – Mrs Eborall
Intent

At the heart of our vision lies a firm belief that education in the arts is a right, not a privilege. We are committed to ensuring that all students—regardless of background—have access to a rich, engaging, and inclusive art curriculum, enhanced by a diverse range of cultural experiences.  

Our curriculum is designed not only to nurture exceptional talent but also to cultivate artistic skill as a discipline that can be developed through excellent teaching and dedicated practice. Students explore a wide variety of media, materials, and techniques whilst gaining a strong foundation in photographic and art history and contemporary practices. This equips them to be both informed creators and thoughtful consumers of art.  

The inclusive curriculum is structured to allow flexibility in assessment and delivery, ensuring students with SEND can demonstrate their skills and understanding in varied ways. We adapt our approach for each student, ensuring they are given the resources, equipment and feedback suitable for them. We encourage students to take pride in their work, to develop a genuine love of learning, and to cultivate an enduring appreciation for the arts. Critical thinking, self-reflection, and creative problem-solving are embedded throughout our curriculum—skills that will serve students well in further education, careers, and life.  

Ultimately, our aim extends beyond artistic development. We strive to shape well-rounded individuals who are inquisitive, resilient, disciplined, kind, confident, and creative. Our young people are ready to engage meaningfully with the world around them through the transformative power of photography.

Domains and Concepts

Photography – Domains and Concepts 

Domains  Concepts 
Photography 

Rule of Thirds 
Exposure
Depth of field  
Aperture 
Focus 
Focal point  
Balance 
Light 
Colour 
Composition  
Prop 
Subject 
Editing 

Editing – by hand 

Collage
Cutting 
Ripping 
Folding 
Weaving 
Sewing 
Overlapping 
Typography 

Editing – digitally  

Layers 
Contrast 
Balance 
Curves 
Blending 
Retouching 
Colour correction 
Cropping  
Composition 
Selection tools 

Animation 

Stop frame 
Frame
Framing 
Pose 
Prop 
Movement 
Action 
Storyline  

Contextual Understanding 

Identifying formal elements 
Understanding context
Constructing critical arguments 
Comparing photographers and photographs  
Reflecting on own practice  
Reflecting on the work of others  
Representation (Realism, Abstraction, Stylization) 
Expression (Communicating emotion or mood) 
Symbolism (Using imagery to represent ideas) 
Narrative (Visual storytelling) 
Context (Historical, cultural, political background) 
Identity & Culture (Race, gender, nationality, social issues) 
Medium & Materiality (Importance of materials used) 
Viewer Interpretation (Meaning varies by audience)