Photography
Head of Department
Mr Amandip Sanghera
Head of Photography
asanghera@commonweal.co.uk
Overview
“Great photography is about depth of feeling, not depth of field.”
– Peter Adams
Photography has grown enormously in the last 20 years since the dawn of smart phones, everyone can be a photographer and document their lives easily daily.
The interest and desire to learn about photography and how to take creative pictures has also grown. The media outlets for images, film has also expanded with new digital platforms- thus new careers have formed. We want our students to have a creative professionalism.
Careers in Graphic Design, Photographer – artist, Photojournalism, Film Making – TV/ Cinematography.
The Curriculum
Currently we explore AQA Photography Course.
Assessment
6O% Coursework / 40% Exam.
Work must link to artist’s work. The outcomes should be very experimental, show a journey and show technical skill. The work is annotated and explained also – this can make the work more powerful. Written element is compulsory part of criteria.
We currently work on PowerPoint, in the past students have worked in sketch books.
The first project is an introduction to photography. We learn about composition, light, shutter speed, experiments with painting with light. This is all informed by artists such as Slinkachu.
There are many photoshoots, but also times when we use photoshop to develop ideas and intentions. So, an openness to explore image manipulation in Photoshop is important at GCSE level.
We then explore the theme, “Social Media” for a mini project. Looking at Artists such as Barbra Kruger and Antoine Geiger.
The main project is called, “Out of Place”. This project is structured to enable the students to create their own exploration and intention. The project starts with portrait-based photoshoots and then develops into an environmental element.
Equipment
We are very lucky to have had the school invest in Digital SLRS – we use Canon 1200 models. Each student will have access to these. You can also use your own if you wish. We have also have various lightning equipment.
Educational Trips/ Cultural experiences
We go on trips to Bristol to visit Galleries and locations. In the past we have also visited Bath and Lacock Abbey. There may also be an opportunity to visit London Galleries.
We also enter the Rotary Club Photography competition every year, this year we have had 3 students shortlisted for awards.
Independent studies
Homework is very important and informs the classroom activities- the environment outside of school is sometimes more powerful, we can only do a limited number of photoshoots in school, so a joy of taking photographs outside of school is vital.
Curriculum Map Photography
61.99 KB – Updated May 8, 2025