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INTRODUCTION
The course we run at King Henry VIII is the Edexcel Photography GCSE. This course is more rigorous than the IGCSE.
Pupils get to explore a wide range of exciting methods of taking photographs as well as stylising and editing them for creative effect. In a world where social media plays such a significant role, this subject provides pupils with skills in visualisation, presentation, design, self-expression and creativity.
COURSE OUTLINE
The course is split in to two Components:
Component 1: Personal portfolio – this begins with a series of teacher-led projects to help develop new skills in this subject including the use of different cameras, camera settings, studio, lighting and Photoshop.
Work in Year 11 allows pupils the opportunity to develop these skills further in responding to themes and ideas in a personal way.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment - there are no written exams in Photography GCSE. Instead there is an Externally Set Assignment in terms 2 and 3 of year 11. This is a themed project, pupils are given a single word to respond to in a personal way. The ESA concludes with a ten hour period of ‘sustained focus’ in which pupils complete their final outcomes under under exam conditions.
The value of each of the Components are as follows:
Component 1: 60%
Component 2: 40%
WHY CHOOSE PHOTOGRAPHY?
Photography GCSE is a great chance for pupils with a love of the subject to develop their skills in a range of different styles and approaches:
Drawing: sketching, design.
Chalk and charcoal.
Painting: watercolour, acrylics.
Collage
Printmaking
Digital art: photography and editing / painting apps.
There are numerous transferable skills in Photography that are highly valued by employers:
Creativity
Creative thinking
Practical ability
Design and presentation skills
Personal expression
Self-confidence and self-belief
HOW PHOTOGRAPHY IS GRADED
As this is a British Edexcel qualification, GCSE Art is graded from 1-9. The scale works out roughly as follows (see below) though it should be noted that an 8 is considered an A* and a 9 is now considered an A**.
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