Art & Design (Photography)
Examining Board
Edexcel
Course Introduction
Photography is a three year course for those with an interest in developing visual skills through digital photography who are willing to experiment with different approaches to the subject.
Camera control, composition, lighting and Photoshop skills are developed, as well as written contextual skills, which form an important part of the course.
Students will work to a theme, with structured exercises to guide them and give them confidence in the first two years, which then broadens out to allow their own individual response in Years 10 and 11.
GCSE Photography is a coursework subject that enables students to fulfil their potential and is individually highly rewarding. Students will be expected to plan and develop work beyond lesson time and supported study is offered most evenings.
Assessments
Coursework sketchbooks and final outcomes (60% of overall marks)
Externally set assignment (40% of overall marks)
Progression
Students may continue to study Photography at A Level. Many students go onto successful careers in Design, Media and Advertising.
Course Content
Year 9
In the first year of the course students will complete a series of short, linked creative workshops using a variety of photographic techniques and processes, working to broad themes such as ‘Unusual Viewpoints’, ‘Portraits’ and ‘Light’.
Unit 1: Coursework
In Years 10 and 11, students will complete two or three thematic coursework projects, responding individually to a given theme. They will be given guidance in how to structure their projects to meet the assessment objectives, which are based on four categories:
- AO1 Recording: taking photographs that explore different aspects of composition.
- AO2 Using knowledge and understanding of photographers’ work for inspiration to develop ideas.
- AO3 Experimentation.
- AO4 Producing outcomes that draw together the different aspects of research.
Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment
Working to the same assessment objectives students will respond to a theme given by the exam board, which is issued in January of Year 11; before then completing the mounting and presentation of a final group of photographs over ten hours (two days) in May.
Contact Name
Mrs H Roberts – Head of Art
