Photographer HPGE | Stage 2–3 Creative Arts

Program activities

Activities may change to suit student needs, photographic opportunities, participant numbers, timing and weather conditions.

Composition and visual analysis

Students investigate how professional photographers use composition to control what an audience notices and how an image is interpreted. Using printed photographs, framing tools and gallery-style discussion, they explore the rule of thirds, leading lines, framing, focus, balance and visual emphasis.

Nature photography fieldwork

Students use Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre iPads to explore Field of Mars Reserve as nature photographers. They search for unusual perspectives, changing light, small details, natural patterns and purposeful compositions.

Students experiment with macro photography, viewpoint, framing, texture, symmetry and focus while photographing plants, animals, landscapes and other natural features.

Editing and portfolio

Students review and select their strongest photographs before using digital editing tools to refine colour, contrast, cropping, lighting and focus. They consider how each adjustment changes visual impact and directs audience attention.

Students curate their photographs into a digital portfolio and photography book. The book is printed, and a PDF version is shared with the school through Google Drive.

Framed photograph and gallery showcase

Each student selects one photograph to be printed on photographic paper, mounted in a frame and returned to the school as a finished exhibition-style artwork.

Selected photographs are presented in a gallery-style slideshow at the conclusion of the program. Parents and carers are welcome to attend and celebrate student creativity and achievement.

Timetable

Time	Activities
9.15	Arrival
9.30–10.15	Composition and visual analysis
10.15–10.30	Recess
10.30–12.00	Nature photography fieldwork
12.00–12.30	Lunch
12.30–2.00	Editing and portfolio
2.00–2.15	Gallery slideshow
2.15	Student collection and departure

The timetable may be adjusted according to participant numbers, photographic opportunities, environmental conditions and the needs of participating students.

Syllabus outcomes and content

Students will learn to

• closely observe natural subjects, forms, colours, textures, patterns and spaces
• analyse how photographers use composition to represent subject matter and ideas
• apply framing, perspective, focus, lighting and the rule of thirds when taking photographs
• experiment with macro photography and different viewpoints
• select photographs according to purpose, quality and visual impact
• use digital editing tools to refine colour, contrast, cropping, lighting and focus
• curate photographs into a coherent portfolio and publication
• explain and evaluate photographic and curatorial choices for an audience.

The program supports the Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) through visual arts making, nature observation, photography, composition, digital technologies, image editing, curation and exhibition.

Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) – Stage 2

Visual Arts

Outcome

• CA2-VIS-01 – Makes artworks using art forms to represent subject matter and ideas, and describes ways artists convey ideas about their world to audiences through artworks

Content addressed

Making: Artists represent their world through subject matter and ideas in artworks

• Represent subject matter and ideas in artworks, making choices based on own interpretations of the world
• Explore digital tools to make or manipulate still or moving images, text and/or sounds
• Explore balance, scale and proportion in compositions to represent subject matter and ideas

Creative Arts K–6 Syllabus (2024) – Stage 3

Visual Arts

Outcome

• CA3-VIS-01 – Makes artworks in intentional ways to represent ideas about their world, and explains ways artists are influenced by contexts and how artworks are interpreted by audiences

Content addressed

Making: Artists represent their world in intentional ways through their artmaking practice

• Represent ideas or perspectives of their world and intentions in own artmaking practice
• Create intentional effects with awareness of the relationships between colours and tones, to represent subject matter or ideas in realistic, imaginative or symbolic ways
• Apply understandings of materials, digital technologies and processes to represent intended ideas in artworks
• Explore artistic conventions and ways to represent subject matter and ideas in compositions

Creative Arts K-6 Syllabus (2024) © NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2024

Tier 2 and 3 vocabulary

analyse, compose, contrast, curate, detail, evaluate, observe, perspective, refine, represent, select, audience, composition, cropping, focus, framing, leading lines, lighting, macro photography, portfolio, rule of thirds, symmetry, texture, viewpoint

Program costs, eligibility and booking

Cost

$60 per student – GST free

Program costs are processed through each student’s home school.

Program costs may change. If program costs change after you book, you will be charged at the original cost.

Eligibility

This program is available to Stage 2 and Stage 3 students enrolled in NSW Department of Education schools.

Schools should select students who demonstrate strong interest or potential in photography, visual arts, close observation, composition, digital image editing, visual storytelling or portfolio development. Selection should consider curiosity and potential, not only prior achievement.

Dates and booking

Photographer is offered on selected HPGE program dates. Check available dates and remaining places before selecting students.

View HPGE program dates and remaining places

Cancellations

Less than 4 weeks notice – full cost (excluding HPGE programs in Term 1, Weeks 3–5)

Weather or fire danger cancellation – $0

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Student numbers, supervision and support

Student numbers

A school may nominate up to twelve students for each HPGE program day.

Places are limited and subject to the remaining program capacity.

Supervision

Classroom teachers are not required to attend but are welcome.

Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre teachers supervise students throughout the program. Schools must provide a teacher or school learning support officer when a student requires additional assistance to participate safely and successfully.

Student information

Schools must provide accurate medical, allergy, medication, emergency contact, collection and support information for every participating student.

Student details must be confirmed at least seven working school days before the program. Changes can be made using the edit-submission link provided with the booking confirmation.

Support and adjustments

Notify Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre before the program about any mobility, sensory, communication, behavioural, medical or learning support requirements. Staff can discuss reasonable adjustments and suitable participation options.

What to bring, arrival and transport

Students should bring

School sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunscreen, raincoat, hat and sturdy shoes.

Arrival and departure

Students should be dropped off by 9.15 am and collected at 2.15 pm.

A teacher, parent or responsible adult must supervise students until they have been received by Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre staff.

Transport and parking

Schools and families are responsible for transport to and from Field of Mars Reserve.

Cars must park in the main car park beside Pittwater Road. Students and accompanying adults then walk along the access road to the centre.

View Field of Mars Reserve location and access information

Risk management, weather and cancellations

Risk management

The program includes indoor activities, outdoor photography fieldwork, walking near natural vegetation and creeks, and using iPads in bushland environments.

Schools should review the Field of Mars Reserve risk management information when planning student participation and transport.

Students who are unwell should not attend.

View the Field of Mars Reserve risk management plan⁠

View Field of Mars Reserve location and access information

⁠Weather

The program may be modified, postponed or cancelled because of predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, high winds or dust storms.

Field activities may continue in light rain when conditions are safe. Students must bring a waterproof raincoat.

Families may be directed to the Westminster Road entrance when flooding prevents access through the main entrance.

View Westminster Road entrance information