The friendly dark room workshop

What prior knowledge, experience and qualifications will I need?
No prior knowledge or experience is necessary to enrol on this course. Please be advised that some learners who enrol will have more experience than others. A basic level of English, Maths and computer skills would be useful.

Learning Goals:
Make a photogram. Understand the principles of photography and the process of developing. Use the darkroom and studio space safely. Identify and achieve a personal goal as discussed with your tutor.

What teaching methods will the tutor use?
The tutor will use a range of teaching methods during the class, including demonstration (both group and individual), one to one tuition, group work, progress assessments, observation, discussion and question and answer sessions.

What assessment methods will the tutor use?
The tutor will use various methods to assess your progress during the course. These may include observation, completion of an Individual Learning Plan which will be updated regularly, evaluation of work samples, question and answer sessions, and photos of projects to record your achievements in our virtual learning environment (VLE).

Will extra work be required outside the class times?
You will be expected to take full advantage of our virtual learning environment and log in at least 24 hours before the course begins to prepare in advance for the day https://all.lewisham.gov.uk/ (VLE). Signing into our course Moodle site will enable you to access information about the centres, enrolment dates, take part in course forums, messaging, and other various online activities. For this course it is preferred that you sign up to a gmail google account. This will provide an easier and more positive experience to the course when accessing google sites/classroom, where your course will be posted. Please provide digital photographs of your work by sending them to the tutor after the course. Don’t forget that homework exercises are set to enhance and develop techniques learnt during the session.

What materials will I need for the course and how much will they cost?
The course fee includes a small charge for basic materials and use of any specialist equipment. We do not provide paper. If you're a newcomer, please contact the curriculum leader to discuss your project and needs. Experienced learners will need to bring any of the following depending on your choice of project: photographic paper, photographic film to process and negatives to print from. Please don't purchase anything before your first lesson unless requested to do so. No liability can be accepted for expenses incurred for a course cancelled or altered at short notice.

What do I need to bring to the first class?
Come to class with your found items to use in your ice-breaker photogram eg. Tooth brush, leaf, keys, etc. All small enough to fit and A5 or A4 sheet. Small objects work best. Otherwise, you can play around with objects found in the classroom. If you have accessed our dark room before, please make the tutor aware that you will be attending with your own project (paper will not be supplied for this). Please wear enclosed shoes.

Options when finished
The department offers a wide variety of design, media, music and food courses at different levels. Information about these courses is available through the tutor, the curriculum leader or the ALL programme.

Additional information
The tutor will contact you via email before the course begins please ensure we have your correct details. This will be a practical class, please wear suitable clothing including enclosed footwear. You will not be given access to the space if you arrive wearing open shoes. This learning space is used for a varied course offer, please leave the space clean and tidy ensuring work benches swept, equipment put away, rubbish and personal belongings are removed. All drinks taken into this space must be kept in a re-usable lidded cup or drink bottle. ALL cannot be held responsible for any items including work, materials, tools, etc. left by the learner in our workrooms.

For general enquiries and course availability information call 0208 314 3300. For more detailed information and guidance about the course: