What will be studied?
A GCSE in photography will involve producing images using light-sensitive materials such as photographic film or digital methods of development and production to create static or moving images. Students will complete a portfolio which can be chosen from a range of topics including location photography, studio photography, experimental imagery, installation, documentary photography, photo-journalism, film or animation and fashion photography.
Students will also need to develop their drawing and annotation skills as they are key components of the course. The drawing may include sketches and plans of ideas or story boards for a photoshoot.
Who will this course suit?
The course is designed to appeal to, and cater for, a wide range of interests, personalities and directions. Students will have the opportunity to explore the work of artists and ideas through different projects and areas of study. Students will learn overtime how to use a camera and its many functions to produce and present quality photographs.
Students will need to demonstrate the following skills:
- Creativity
- Independence
- Resilience
- Resourcefulness
- Time management skills
- Literacy skills
| Exam board and specification | |
|---|---|
| Exam board | AQA |
| Course code | 8206 |
| QAN | 601/8088/2 |
| Web link to specification | |
How is this course assessed?
This course is assessed on two components:
- Portfolio
Students will need to produce a portfolio that shows explicit coverage of the four assessment objectives. It must include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study. It is worth 60% of the overall mark. It is marked out of 96
- Externally Set Assignment
Students will need to respond to an externally set assignment which is released by the exam board in the January of Year 11. They will have 10 weeks of preparation time followed by 10 hours of production under examination conditions. It is worth 40% of the overall mark and is also marked out of 96.
All projects must contain 25% written content.
What will this qualification lead to?
A GCSE in Photography can lead to many other A Levels including Fine Art, Photography, or a BTEC level 3. Many of our A level students move onto Art Degree Courses including Fashion, Textiles, Animation, Graphic Design, and Illustration, Games design, Architecture, Film and Documentary Photography.