Photography
Throughout the ages Art, Textiles and Photography have played a crucial role in the cultural development of society, from architecture and fashion to the printed word.
The work of Photographers, Artists and Designers is accessed and experienced by everyone on a daily basis. Photographers need to work with integrity and respect for others as their work has the power to change the world, set trends and fashions, build the cities and landscapes of the future, recording history in the making through the lens of a camera, and develop new technologies and innovations. Through the pursuit of creative thinking and solutions to life’s problems, Photographers will support economic growth for generations to come.
The Core Concepts
Through the formal elements, Line, Shape, Colour, Form, Texture, Pattern and Tone, students will be able to:
- Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.
- Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.
- Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.
- Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.
Key Stage 5
OCR GCSE Photography (J173)
We currently offer our GCSE in Photography with OCR exam board. In Year 10, during the Autumn Term, students work on a range of teacher-lead tasks, developing their camera skills and experimenting with various settings and techniques. They will also gain experience using editing software such as Photoshop and Procreate. During the remainder of Year 10 and the Autum Term of Year 11, students are given a range of starting points to choose from and will construct their own projects with the guidance and technical support of their teacher. Students will look at the work of other photographers, and craftspeople from a variety of times and cultures. Students will be required to research, analyse, and evaluate their work and make critical judgments to support their ideas.
The coursework element of the course is made up of all work produced in Year 10 and 11, which includes their digital portfolio, and at least two final outcomes. The coursework deadline is the end of the Autumn Term in Year 11 and accounts for 60% of their final work.
The externally set Assignment begins in January and is 40% of the final mark. Students are required to submit a digital portfolio and a final piece.
The exam is 10 hours in duration.
OCR A Level Art & Design: Photography (H603)
Course Entry Requirements: Grade B or above in GCSE Art & Design.
Course Overview
This course enables students to explore and appreciate the visual world and respond in a creative and personal way. The skills students will develop will be varied, including knowledge of materials, processes and techniques. Students will be able to interpret and convey ideas and feelings through their work. They will also be more experimental and analytical and will learn how to document findings in different ways. They will develop a specialist vocabulary, build on their knowledge and understanding of the place of art, craft and design in history and contemporary society.
Assessment Format
Personal Investigation (internally assessed, externally moderated) – 60% of A Level
Learners produce a portfolio of practical work and a related study, which is an extended response of a guided minimum of 1000 words.
Externally-set task (15hrs) (internally assessed, externally moderated) – 40% of A Level
The early release paper will provide learners with a number of themes. Within the themes, there will be a choice of written and visual starting points, briefs and stimuli. A response should be based on one of these options.