GCSE Photography

Students produce a portfolio of work to study particular themes relating to the work of a range of past and contemporary artists and photographers. Developing ideas through digital techniques and media, and using programmes such as Photoshop, form a major part of each assignment.

Students will explore various approaches, demonstrating skills in composition, viewpoint and depth of field making appropriate use of colour, line, tone, texture, shape and form, in response to an idea, theme or brief. Students will need to explain and critically review their work, through written annotations, as this will form a crucial part of the assessment.

During the course, you will cover at least one of the areas below:

• Landscape photography (working from the built or natural environment).
• Portraiture
• Still Life photography, (working from natural or manufactured objects).
• Documentary photography, photo journalism, narrative photography, reportage
• Fine Art photography, photographic installation
• Photography involving a moving image, (television, film and animation).
• New media practice such as computer manipulated photography and photographic projections

Component 1 Coursework – 60%. This consists of a portfolio of selected work from a series of assignments.
Component 2: Externally-set Exam – 40%. Your need to produce your own assignment in response to an externally set paper. You will have nine weeks preparatory time and 10 hours supervised work under examination conditions. The test will form part of the exhibition, which is assessed both internally and by a moderator from the AQA board.

An interest in the subject and a willingness to work hard are as important as any natural ability when choosing this subject. No prior experience of photography is needed, however a level of confidence in digital image manipulation (Photoshop) would be beneficial.