GCSE Photography is a creative and exciting course, offered by LCHS Art Department. The Photography course focuses on developing students’ understanding of Photography.  Students have the opportunity to experiment with a wide range of photographic techniques, including traditional darkroom processes, camera - less photography and digital processes such as Photoshop. Students will use a range of photographic equipment to create images. Camera functions and the use of photographic equipment, composition, lighting and viewpoint will all be studied. Students will also research the work of a wide range of photographers and other artists. Students must be enthusiastic about Photography and be prepared to work outside lesson time to achieve the best results possible.

Course Content

In Year 9, students complete a range of skills-based projects in preparation for the two components that count towards their grade in Year 10 and Year 11. 

 

Photography Portfolio (60% of GCSE grade)

Students produce a portfolio of Photography work for this Component. In response to a starting point, students research their ideas and experiment with a range of photographic techniques. Students study the work of a range of inspirational photographers and other artists. Students then develop their ideas and create a final piece of photographic work, which is based on their ideas and experimentation.

 

Externally Set Task (40% of GCSE grade)

Students choose a starting point from a selection provided by OCR. They research and develop ideas based on this starting point. Students then experiment with a range of photographic techniques and processes. They develop ideas for a final piece of photographic work, which is completed in a 10-hour examination period spread over two days.

 

Assessment

All students’ work is marked by LCHS and moderated by the examination board. GCSE Art and Design: Photography is marked using four Assessment Objectives:

Assessment Objective 1:        Develop and investigate ideas

Assessment Objective 2:        Explore ideas, techniques and photographic processes

Assessment Objective 3:        Record ideas and observations

Assessment Objective 4:        Present a personal response

 

Opportunities beyond GCSE Art and Design: Photography

Students can go on to the highly successful A Level courses in Fine Art, Fashion and Photography offered by the LCHS Art Department. From there, many students choose to take a Foundation course in Art and Design (for example, at Lincoln University) or alternatively progress directly to a University level course. On the GCSE Photography course, students develop skills such as creative problem solving and independent thinking, which are in demand with employers.