This year, Greenhill’s Honors Photography class size has almost doubled to an unprecedented size.
In years past, the typical size of the class included around 10 to 12 juniors and seniors. This year, due to an increased number of seniors, the class size grew to 20 students.
There are multiple prerequisites to arrive at the honors level, which is usually what keeps the numbers down. If a student decides to take Photography I, Photography II and Chemistry of Photography, they will have the credits in order to get to the Honors Photography class. Some students, however, will choose just to take Photography II twice instead of Chemistry of Photography.
This school year, senior Thomas Rowley is one of the 20, and he has already seen the independence afforded to the honors class.
“In [Photography II], there are a lot more specific assignments, where in honors, you’re not necessarily told to do anything, but it’s expected that you will kind of keep up,” said Rowley.
The increased class size improved collaboration and has created a positive environment. The class is primarily made up of seniors this year, resulting in a higher drive toward independence.
Every seat is full in the classroom, and apart from an increase in collaboration, the class is very similar to years past. While there have been bigger classes before, they have maintained a strong work ethic while adjusting to the size.
Honors Photography is looking forward to a year of cultivating a variety of artist statements and participating in different contests and critiques.
“We have a blessing this year of having far more students than what we usually have for this class size,” said Upper School Visual Arts teacher Frank Lopez. “This includes a lot of juniors that have excelled over the years, and they have nowhere else to go.”
