Why should I study GCSE Photography?

This is an amazing subject where you get to play and experiment with materials and ideas. You can create something which is unique to you. There are also a range of other skills involved with photography, such as being a team player, communicating, working with and locating props and specific location work outside of school. 

What specification do we follow in Photography? 

We will follow the AQA GCSE Photography. For access to the full specification please follow the link.  You will need to refer to section 3.9 for GCSE Photography. 

GCSE Photography Specification 

How will I be assessed in GCSE Photography?

You have 4 assessment objectives that are weighted equally. These have been used from Year 7 all the way through to ensure students have consistency and know exactly what is expected. 

You will be marked at GCSE standard as soon as you start Year 10 so it is important to keep consistency high as the exam board does not consider progress- consistency is key. If there are areas of work which you are less confident in, it is your responsibility to work on them to give you the best chance of accessing the higher grades. Having your own materials will be key to allow you the flexibility of where you work. You will have checklists, feedback- verbally and written through your course 

Is there a written exam for GCSE Photography?

Whilst there is not a written paper for photography you will be expected to write reflective pieces at the end of your practical exam if you have time. You are also expected to write artist analysis and annotate your thought processes.  

Will I have to do much writing in GCSE Photography?

You will be expected to write artist analysis to show your understanding of the work, style and their motivation for their work. Key terms are expected to demonstrate a deeper level of understanding.  You are also expected to annotate your work & ideas to show your thought processes throughout the course. 

If I want to buy my own camera for GCSE Photography is that ok?

Absolutely. If you want to use your own camera that is absolutely fine. We would recommend the following models:

Canon EOS 4000D DSLR 

Canon E051200D

If you are planning to use your own equipment you should ensure that you have an SD card with good quality storage, 64GB is usually suitable and a camera bag to prevent your equipment being damaged. 

*Good quality cameras can be bought secondhand* 

Do I have to have access to photo editing software at home?

Ideally yes, as this will allow you the time and flexibility to work at home and in the holidays to improve your work where needed. However it is not essential.  You should be aware that you will need to work afterschool to complete, develop and refine your work to allow you the best chance of accessing higher marks. 

We will be using Photopea in lessons which is an online cloud based software. This app will allow you to access your work from home at any point. We will also be using Google Slides to create our portfolios, again this is cloud based so you can access your portfolio anywhere. 

How can I succeed in GCSE Photography?

In order to be a successful GCSE Photography student all you need is enthusiasm, creativity, resilience, determination, independence, curiosity, confidence and be willing to embrace challenge and take risks !

You will be provided with all of the necessary resources to support you but ultimately it will be down to you to make the most of them. Your teacher will do everything they can to facilitate your learning but the responsibility to take on board and apply advice is ultimately down to you.

You will need to be prepared to spend some time, out of lessons, consolidating the learning that has occurred in class and revisiting terminology, techniques and skills regularly. 

Students should also be open minded and willing to act on feedback to continually improve the quality and depth of their work.

Am I allowed to choose Photography with Art or Textiles GCSE? 

No. The GCSE Photography course runs under the same course code (GCSE Art & Design) as GCSE Fine Art & GCSE Textiles. Studying 2 Art & Design GCSE's would only give you 1  GSCE qualification as you cannot be registered twice for the same course. 

What can I do once I have completed the course?

People with creative arts skills and knowledge usually have an advantage over people without them. They stand out as talented, confident and creative people, with broad and exciting horizons. Taking GCSE Photography means you will:

• Add an extra dimension to your personal skills profile which will impress anyone who reads your CV 

• Have the confidence to push yourself out of your comfort zone and experience new opportunities

• Be able to study AS, A level and Vocational Photography, design or creative courses to further your knowledge of the subject. 

• Be able to think creatively and critically about problems and the world around you