About GCSE Photography
Photography
Photography is defined here as the practice of producing images using light-sensitive materials such as photographic film, or digital methods of development and production to create static or moving images.
Areas of study
In Component 1 and Component 2 students are required to work in one or more area(s) of photography, such as those listed below:
portraiture
location photography
studio photography
experimental imagery
installation
documentary photography
photo-journalism
fashion photography.
They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas.
Knowledge & understanding
The way sources inspire the development of ideas, relevant to photography including:
how sources relate to historical, contemporary, social, cultural and issues-based contexts and external considerations such as those associated with the cultural industries and client-oriented requirements
how ideas, themes, subjects and feelings can inspire creative responses informed by different styles, genres and aesthetic considerations and/or an individual's distinctive view of the world.
The ways in which meanings, ideas and intentions relevant to photography can be communicated include the use of:
figurative and non-figurative forms, image manipulation, close up, and imaginative interpretation
visual and tactile elements such as:
colour
line
form
tone
texture
shape
pattern
composition
scale
sequence
surface
contrast.
Skills
SEQUENCING OF KNOWLEDGE IN ART & PHOTOGRAPHY - KS1-5
The National Curriculum for Art directs how knowledge should be built up over time from KS1-3, these then feed into the KS4 and 5 exam board assessment objectives. Below are all the details you need to understand that journey.
SKILLS
Within the context of photography, students must demonstrate the ability to:
use photographic techniques and processes, appropriate to students’ personal intentions, for example:
lighting
viewpoint
aperture
depth of field
shutter speed and movement
use of enlarger
chemical and/or digital processes
use media and materials, as appropriate to students' personal intentions, for example:
film
photographic papers
chemicals appropriate to darkroom practices
digital media, programs and related technologies
graphic media for purposes such as storyboarding, planning and constructing shoots.
Below are some videos explaining what you would need to do to achieve a 6 or above in GCSE Photography:
Grade 6
A Reflections Project
Grade 7
A Texture Project
Grade 7-9
Advice on how to get top grades