Friday 10th of September 2010

A group of learners from Kirklees College are celebrating having passed their course with flying colours. The GCSE photography students were please to find they'd achieved a grade C or above when they received their results this summer.

Successful students

The year 11 students studied the photography course at the college’s Wheelwright Centre (also known as the Batley School of Art and Design). Their achievements are said to be down to the professionalism and dedication of each individual student. The students’ work was also displayed at Create 2010, an event showcasing the work of Kirklees College students in June this year.

The external examiner provided the college with feedback about the students’ success. Notably, the students were thought to have benefited from a ‘rigorously designed course that covered all elements of photography and fulfilling all assessment objectives.’ The examining officer also said that it was ‘positive to see how all candidates had taken part in all aspects of photography including extensive work in the dark room.’

Oliver Boothroyd, photography course tutor at Kirklees College said:

“Working with 14 to 16 year old students really challenges the way you think about teaching in the classroom. I believe all 14 to 16 learners need to be treated with the same respect as a full time learner. We give each student the time to grow and reflect on what they are studying, which enhances their understanding of their visual world.

“It is important that we work hard to develop these young people, and inspirational learning is the way we can achieve this. Myself and colleague Philip Peaurt are delighted with the results, and our task now is to make sure we get the same success rates next year.”

The GCSE in photography gives students from local schools the opportunity to learn in a professional environment, using industry standard equipment. The Wheelwright Centre offers equipment including a photography studio, black and white darkrooms, and a state of the art digital suite.

Kirklees College offers a wide range of vocational courses for 14 to 16 year olds, giving them the opportunity to gain a qualification that is not always available in their school. There is currently over 700 students on collegiate courses, with the number is growing every year.

For more information on the 14 to 16 courses offered at the college, click on 14-16.