Photography
Students that choose to study GCSE and A-Level Photography are taught the technical and creative aspects of the medium. The course begins in Year 10 with an introduction to camera functions and settings, such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO, which students learn to adjust to create properly exposed images.
As the course progresses into Year 11, students study composition and how to use light, colour and texture to convey mood and emotion in their photos. They also learn about the history of photography and analyse works by famous photographers to develop their critical thinking skills.
Throughout the 2 years, students complete 2 different components that demonstrate the skills that they have learned. Component 1 is a personal portfolio of work that responds to a theme set by their class teacher. Component 2 is the externally set assignment given by the exam board. By the end of the course, students should have a strong understanding of photography's technical and artistic aspects, a developed eye for visually compelling images, and critical thinking and analytical skills that can be applied to other areas of their lives.
For students who continue to study photography at A-Level, the course typically builds upon the foundational knowledge and skills learned in secondary school. Students are encouraged to develop a personal style and explore more complex and advanced techniques. Students at this level are expected to produce a body of work that demonstrates their technical proficiency and artistic vision. This could include creating a series of photographs that explore a particular theme or concept, or developing a cohesive portfolio of images that showcase their skills and creative style. Students will complete 2 different components as part of the A-Level course, a personal portfolio of work and an externally set assignment. They will also produce a piece of writing to support their personal study, this will take the form of a 1000-word essay.
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Curriculum Maps
PHOTOGRAPHY