Overview
GCSE Photography enables pupils to explore the work of contemporary artists and express themselves creatively whilst also learning industry-standard software and many of the fundamentals of using a DSLR camera.
They will study photography through a range of starting themes, developing and refining their own work through research, experimentation and workshops, which will be heavily guided in the beginning to ensure pupils get to grips with the use of new software. Pupils will have the opportunity to work in and experiment with a DSLR camera and various post-production methods.
The duration of the course is two years and is 100% practical. For component 1, pupils will successfully create a portfolio of work comprising of two projects: ‘Abstracting the Everyday’, followed by a sustained portfolio based on a theme chosen by pupils from a selection of four. Pupils will develop both projects over time in response to investigations around the subject area and the photographers they research and the editing techniques they experiment with. The creation of a final response will illustrate how pupils realise their intentions through investigations.
Similarly, for component 2, pupils choose a starting point from those given by the exam board in January of Year 11 and develop a portfolio of work over 12 weeks which investigates this theme. They will then use the knowledge and techniques built over the course of the GCSE to produce a creative response within a 10-hour supervised time.
The course allows pupils to be self-expressive and explore their own passions. Creative people can see the world in different ways; they use original thought and vision to create unique pieces. This process is highly stimulating, develops creativity, and builds confidence.
Year 10
- Terms 1 – 3 Component 1: abstracting the everyday
- Terms 4 – 6 Component 1: sustained portfolio
Year 11
- Terms 1 – 2 Component 1: sustained portfolio
- Term 3 – 5 Component 2: Externally set assignment
Exam board
AQA GCSE in Art and Design 8201, 8206