Photography combines creative expression with a technical edge.
It allows you to turn your hobby into a GCSE. It gives you creative freedom to take photographs that you have designed. It will help you save memories and capture new experiences in an inventive way.
In the studio you can explore changing characters, storytelling, documenting, journalism or close up forensic style. You can play around with ideas, explore fashion, landscape or sports photography. Whatever your interests we can develop it into a personal response.
The world you create will be through using a wide range of techniques, compositions and sources of inspiration.You will be able to read photographs on a new level that will give you a greater insight into the digital world around you and help you engage with other media platforms.
You will learn the creative Art and Design process by producing research, ideas, photo shoots and presenting this in a sketchbook or in Eportfolio.
Know the most significant photographs within history and the different types of photographic genres.
Be able to create work in one or more of these areas: portraiture • location photography • studio photography • experimental imagery • installation • documentary photography • photojournalism • moving image: film, video and animation • fashion photography.(this will depend on students personal interest)
How to set up and manipulate the settings on the camera to create different effects e.g. motion blur.
Understand key photographic terms e.g. depth of field, Focus, shutter speed , aperture
Develop your imagination and personal interests within photography
Understand the rules of Photography Composition.
Be able to manipulate photos in many different creative ways through a range of media and techniques eg. photomontage, paint, layering, weaving.
How to use old technologies e.g. Cyanotype Photography
Learn how to plan a photoshoot using the specialist photographic equipment for a intended outcome.
Understand lighting setups and methods to create different moods and effects e.g. UV light
Develop an understanding of Photo editing software.
How to critically respond to photographic work understanding their ideas, messages and context.
Understand the visual language of Photography.
How to critique and annotate work through an evaluative process.
How to present final works and outcomes into a gallery space for exhibition.
You will be assessed through two components:
Component 1 Coursework (Sketchbook/Eportfolio of Evidence) which is worth 60% of the final grade.This component is followed from September of yr10 until January of yr11. This is made up of several projects, workshops and tutorials
Portraits Project : This project allows you to explore and learn the fundamentals of photography.You will learn from artists a wide range of photoshoot skills and experimental editing effects.You will be given many different opportunities to develop sketchbook and presentation skills in preparation for your personal Project.
Mini Projects that explore specific Photography techniques or trends e.g. Macro, Panoramic, Surrealism, Cyanotype, Pinhole.
Personal Project :You choose the type, style and subject in collaboration with your teacher.This project allows you a deeper level of personal response and freedom to develop skills and knowledge in an area of your own particular interest.You will research a wide range of artists and investigate current ideas and past examples in relation to your chosen theme.
Component 2 Externally set Assignment (Exam Project) which is worth 40% of the final grade.It from January-April of yr11 preparation time,including a 10 hour timed period over several days/weeks with which to complete a final Piece. Both components are evidenced using sketchbooks ,Eportfolio and final pieces.
In choosing a creative subject that has a technical edge you are developing a wide range of personal and technical skills that will be part of every lesson and integrated ethos e.g. problem solving, independent learning, research skills,critical analysis, evaluation, quality control, team work, Photo-shoot design, time management and leadership. Communication and organisation skills.You will develop skills in personal motivation to meet deadlines.The course has many small deadlines to enable you to persevere and improve the quality of your work as you go along.
Although Photography does require specialist equipment you are not expected to purchase cameras or other associated equipment for the course. However having access to a camera device e.g. mobile phone that has free editing apps is helpful. You will be asked to donate £5 as a loan service to have an SD card.The £5 will be returned to you once the SD card is handed in at the end of YR 11. You can purchase a sketchbook of your choice e.g. black pages for presentation to personalise your work.
Photography will provide you with a wide understanding of world issues and expose you to a range of cultural ideas through photography artist research. It will help you to communicate through images and read and reflect on what we see within our society. It will help you question the truth of the image and its intention e.g. persuasion, bias and help you understand that photographs can lie. In capturing life you are capturing history, society and culture.
This qualification can take you on to further study at Photography A level or higher education. There are many different careers where photography is an essential skill and careers that are directly linked to photography.
Your teacher will be happy to share knowledge of linked professions with you.
