Photography GCSE

Photography GCSE

Course Length

One or two years.

The course

GCSE Photography is a popular and exciting subject. However, be aware that it doesn’t just involve taking photographs. You will develop your creativity, imagination and knowledge through sustained projects. You will learn about a variety of photographic media, techniques and processes including hands-on experimentation with traditional and digital media. You will also develop an awareness of critical analyses of artists’ work helping to develop their own ideas and intentions using workbooks to demonstrate practical learning and the ability to explore formal elements through personal, individual responses.

You will have access to a fully equipped IT suite, interactive white board and scanning and printing facilities. A fully equipped darkroom is available with several professional quality enlargers, contact printers, developing tanks and chemicals, filtered water supplies and automatic washing facilities. We are well situated for the major museums and commercial galleries and there will be visits to galleries and museums and work both in the college and on location.

What skills do I need?

The course will suit you if you are creative, enthusiastic and imaginative and want to communicate your ideas and opinions through different styles and forms of photography. You should enjoy learning how to use different processes to develop your visual skills, and be willing to experiment and take risks with your ideas.

How is the course assessed?

There are two units. Unit 1 is the coursework unit. It consists of three separate units of photographic work, two of which will finally be marked, selected from the general categories of: (i) photojournalism; (ii) fashion; (iii) portraiture; and (iv) illustration and fine art. Each piece of work must be accompanied by relevant preliminary/ supporting studies. It is worth 60% of the total marks. In Unit 2 (Controlled Test), you have to respond to a theme question from a selection of seven choices. There is a ten hour total time limit following preliminary/ supporting studies which are carried out up to four weeks before the examination. It is worth 40% of the total marks.

Reading

Photography: A Critical Introduction
By L. Wells
Published by Routledge, ISBN 978-0415460873

Exam Board and Specification Code

Pearson-Edexcel 1PYO

Greg Ioannou
Head of Department