Photography
Head of Subject: Holly Leyman
Welcome to Photography at Ivybridge Community College.
Photography is a powerful medium for expression and understanding. It enables students to observe, interpret and engage with the world around them, developing curiosity, visual awareness and confidence in their ideas. Through creative exploration and practical experimentation, students build both technical skills and a strong sense of self.
As students progress, the course supports the development of independence, resilience and originality—skills that are highly valued, particularly as the creative industries continue to grow rapidly.
Facilities and Teaching
Students are taught by a team of experienced, multidisciplinary practitioners, supported by a full-time technician. The department offers excellent facilities, including:
- Fully equipped classrooms and studio spaces
- IT suite for digital editing
- Darkroom facilities
- Digital and SLR cameras
- Specialist equipment such as an etching press and kilns
Students work across a wide range of photographic materials and processes, including both traditional and digital techniques.
Enrichment Opportunities
Photography facilities are available at lunchtime for coursework development and exam preparation. After-college sessions are also offered for students wishing to extend their projects further.
Key Stage 4
Our GCSE Photography course introduces students to a broad range of photographic techniques, from traditional processes to modern digital practices. Students develop creativity and technical skills while exploring photographic history and theory, building their own visual style through both imaginative and observational work.
Students follow the AQA GCSE Photography specification, which is assessed through two components:
- Portfolio (60%) – The coursework unit consists of three components of work, each based on a theme designed to teach different and specific skills and using a range of media both analogue and digital.
- Externally Set Task (40%) – A final project based on an exam board theme, culminating in a practical outcome completed under exam conditions.
Areas of Study
Students explore a variety of photographic approaches, including portraiture, landscape, still life, documentary, fine art, and digital image manipulation, as well as studio and experimental techniques.
Skills Developed
The course supports students in developing creativity, technical ability, critical thinking, and independent learning skills.
Additional Opportunities
Students have access to photography facilities at lunchtime and can attend after-college sessions to further develop their work and exam preparation.
Exam Board : https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201/specification/subject-content/photography
For more information, please contact the College here: