Regents Review - Summer 2026

The Regents Review Summer 2026

DEPARTMENTAL NEWS have been focusing on portrait photography, developing both their technical camera skills and their understanding of how photographers create engaging and expressive portraits. Through a variety of practical and creative activities, students have explored the key features that make a successful portrait and have gained valuable experience working in different photographic environments. Students have learned how to photograph subjects both in a studio setting and on location. In the studio, they explored how lighting can dramatically affect the mood, appearance and impact of a portrait. They experimented with different lighting setups, camera angles and poses to create professional-looking images. When working on location, students considered how natural light, backgrounds and surroundings can enhance a portrait and help communicate a particular theme or message. Alongside their practical photography work, students have continued to develop their digital editing skills using Adobe Photoshop. They have

experimented with a range of editing techniques, including the colour select tool, which allows photographers to isolate specific colours within an image while converting the remaining areas to black and white. This technique has encouraged students to think creatively about visual impact and how editing can be used to draw attention to important elements within a photograph. To extend their learning beyond the classroom, students were set a homework project, in which they planned and captured their own portrait photographs. This task gave them the opportunity to independently apply the skills and techniques they had learned in lessons, including composition, lighting, camera settings and portrait styling. Many students produced imaginative and thoughtful images, demonstrating growing confidence in both their technical abilities and creative decision making. Overall, students have made excellent progress this half term and have developed a strong understanding of portrait photography, both behind the camera and through digital editing. Year 7 Art During this term, Year 7 students have explored a variety of drawing and painting techniques inspired by both artists and the natural world. They created vibrant watercolour studies of Regents Park Community College influenced by the work of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, focusing on colour, pattern and imaginative architecture. Students also developed their observational drawing skills through tonal studies of insects, learning how to create depth and form using shading techniques. In addition, they produced colourful artworks inspired by the tropical fish illustrations of Louis Renard, exploring line, colour and decorative design while developing their confidence with a range of artistic media.

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