GCSE Photography (AQA)
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STUDY PHOTOGRAPHY?
GCSE Photography offers a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of skills and techniques, using a range of photography methods and creative techniques. This will include digital and hand manipulation methods, drawing and experimental processes when developing and producing work. It must be emphasised that spending time producing work outside lessons, including attendance in extra-curricular sessions, is an integral part of the course. Students should be passionate about this subject.
DESCRIPTION OF COURSE
Year 10 Manual settings / Photography Workshops Term 1:
Students will explore Digital SLR cameras and manual techniques. Students are encouraged to apply creative, analytical and critical thinking and problem-solving to communicate ideas through photography visually. Students will develop critical analyses of artists’ work, helping to develop their ideas through reaction, practical application and written reflections, looking at a range of contemporary photographers.
Students will learn about various photographic media, techniques and processes, including hands-on experimentation and lighting in our studio and use computers for Photoshop and digital media, utilising these techniques and equipment to make brilliant images.
Year 10 Term 2/3: ‘In the style of’ and ‘Illusions’ Taking inspiration from a range of Photographers and developing personal responses to their work using the skills acquired in Term one.
Year 11 Component 1: Portfolio of work 60%.
Students will select a starting point to respond to produce a body of work which will cover the following:
• Research and investigation
• Students will have a controlled assessment window to produce an ambitious, large-scale final piece as a personal response.
• Experiment with different techniques and materials
• Developing ideas
Year 11 Component 2: Externally set assignment (Exam Unit) 40%.
Students will develop an Exam Unit body of work in response to a theme provided on an exam paper by AQA. Ideas will be informed by an understanding of their research and context. Students will develop and refine their ideas through experimentation, using relevant resources, media and material.
HOW WILL STUDENTS BE ASSESSED
Component 1: Portfolio of work 60%
This comprises a selection of thematic projects and workshops the students complete over the course. This usually consists of a minimum of two sketchbooks (digital or practical) and final pieces that accompany the work.
Component 2: Externally set assignment 40%
Students will develop a body of work in response to a theme provided by the examination board. Students will choose one starting point out of the seven they are provided with. They will then have a preparatory period where they will cover all four assessment objectives, usually completed in a sketchbook.
As a culmination, students will have 10 hours (2 school days) of controlled assessment time to produce
an ambitious, large-scale final piece as a personal response to their chosen theme.
CAREERS LINKS
Photography has many career links and opportunities in today’s ever-changing society. The course would benefit students interested in a career in; media, the film industry, journalism, sports photography, medical photography, theatre design, fashion and interior design, to name a few.
Further information on this specification is available from the qualification website:
https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201-8206