GCSE Exam Board: AQA (8206) Who to Speak to: Mr. Earl
Photography gives students an opportunity to visually explore a range of concepts and interpret a variety of themes. Students develop creative skills through exploring and creating images that are original. Students will develop their confidence in using a range of photographic equipment and digital manipulation software. They will research a broad range of photographers working with a variety of approaches. This will lead to students developing an in-depth understanding of photographic practice that in turn will influence the development of their own style and ideas.
You should be interested in: Taking photos from direct observation; The context and importance of Photography; in society; Developing research and analytical skills using experimentation and creative thinking; Exploring a wide variety of techniques with a strong focus on Photography; Presenting ideas in a variety of ways including; sketchbooks and boards; Developing an individual creative approach in order to produce a range of personal and highly developed pieces of Photography.
The coursework will take the form of two projects which are split into several smaller assignments. Working from set themes, students will be expected to undertake their own research using libraries, the internet, and by visiting galleries. From their research, students will need to develop their own ideas on a theme with the aim of producing a range of responses of work for both projects. The majority of the work produced will take the form of two sketchbooks, which act as a visual diary documenting the progress of the two projects. Looking at the work of other photographers is an integral aspect of the assessment criteria. Students will learn how to make critical judgments about their own work and learn how to appreciate, understand, and learn from the work of photographers, artists, designers, and crafts people. The third project will be the exam unit - choice of 7 themes from the AQA exam board. Being passionate and enthusiastic about Photography is going to help students succeed on this course.
Component 1: Personal portfolio (course work) = 60% of final grade. Students will produce a personal portfolio of practical and written work based around a theme or themes set by their teacher. Writing and analytical skills are required by the examination board to fulfil the specification. Through practical work and theoretical lessons, they will be introduced to techniques, study photographic artists and the ideas and meanings behind images. The first component of work will focus on the theme Pattern: natural forms, collage, abstract, exploring a range of photographers from different times and styles linked with technical skills. These schemes are designed to develop specific skills. Students will then move on to complete a development project linked to a project of their own choice. This project is designed to build students confidence and develop their creative ideas through to a final outcome.
Component 2: Externally set assignment (exam project) = 40 % of final grade. Students will have lesson time, over a period of approximately twelve weeks, to prepare practical work inspired by a choice of about seven topics set by the examination board AQA. This will be followed by a ten-hour practical examination under examination conditions.
Careers in television and film/theatre industry; graphic or web design; Portrait photographers; Commercial and industrial photographers; Aerial photographers; Travel Photographers; Content Producers; Video Editors; Scientific photographers; News photographers; Fashion Photographers; photojournalists; Fine-arts photographers.
They should also select Photography if it is a subject, they are good at, enjoy and can commit to completing to the best of their ability and want to express themselves fully using visual techniques rather than their verbal skills.
Follow the link to the BBC bitesize website to see the subject content on more detail for Photography