Photography

GCSE course outline

For students who have an interest in and an enthusiasm for and enjoyment of Art and Photography. This course will allow students to develop an appreciation of the creative process through the medium of Photography.

The course will help to develop students’ creative, imaginative and practical skills for communicating and expressing ideas, feelings and meanings in photography. A strong interest in Art, along with a good work ethic is essential. Students will also develop investigative, analytical, experimental and critical skills.

Skills required

Students must have an interest in the visual world, be open minded about what Photography and lens based media can be. They must have an appreciation of visual elements and enjoy working in a wide range of media, while working in a creative atmosphere where they are able to explore a wide range of communication techniques. The ability to work independently and in a sustained manner is essential in order to be successful in Photography.

Assessment method

Coursework: 60%

Personal Portfolio - Component 1

Internally set projects – including research and development of ideas in a range of 2 dimensional & 3 dimensional outcomes, by building on technical skills and experimenting with different types of lens based media, processes and techniques. All work is supported by contextual research.

Coursework is completed over Year 10 and term 1 of Year 11.

Examinations: 40%

ESA (Externally set assignment) – Component 2

The ESA represents the culmination of the course as it draws together all the knowledge, understanding and skills which have been developed in Component 1. 10 hour controlled assessment – practical exam – date set in the spring of Year 11.

Post 16 opportunities and careers

If students are considering a creative degree, GCSE Photography will be looked at very closely by universities.

Careers linked to the subject

Animator, Architect, Arts Therapist, Ceramic Designer, Fashion Designer, Fine Artist, Furniture Designer, Games Developer, Graphic Designer, Illustrator, Product Designer, Interior Designer, Jewellery Designer, Make-up Artist, Medical Illustrator, Museum/Gallery Conservator, Photographer, Press Photographer, Printmaker, Production Designer – Film/Television/Theatre, Textile Designer or Web Designer, Prosthetic Make-up, Special & Visual Effects.