Chesterfield College - Matthew Taylor
Agitating the FE Curriculum Matthew Taylor, Chesterfield College
Invited to help plan Chesterfield College’s Level 3 Photography programme I wanted to create a course that addresses the realities of working in the photographic industry, as well as covering fundamental photographic techniques and theories in a way that encouraged creativity and helped students progress to Higher Education (HE) if they wanted to. I have fond memories of my own photographic studies as a young adult. This formative time transported me from learning about the photographic greats and optical science to the buzz of working in a dark room with my talented mentor at the weekly Boston Standard newspaper. It paved the way to becoming a Documentary Photographer for the pioneering Bradford Heritage Recording Unit in the mid-1980’s and later, a press photographer. Now, as a qualified lecturer - who still shoots freelance - I appreciate the immensely positive impact that a balanced education had on my professional life and how well-rounded studies remain as relevant as ever. Awarding body specifications mean that Further Education (FE) photography courses tend to focus on progressing students through the education system more than preparing them for non-academic work. While academic discourse helps our understanding and appreciation of the image and its role in society, culture and history, how many photographers are commissioned solely on the basis of their academic qualifications? How many FE photography students, who want to work rather than enter HE, understand media law, agency representation, the daily realities of freelance or staff photography, and have the personal skills to see them through?
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