Which examination board syllabus will I follow?
We follow the AQA syllabus in Photography. Photography is defined here as the practice of producing images using photographic film or digital methods of development and production to create static of moving images.
What will I be studying during the course?
We follow the GCSE curriculum closely from the beginning of year 10 by using themes like ‘Natural and Man Made’ and ‘My world’ where you explore a large variety of areas such as portraiture, location and studio photography, experimental imagery, documentary photography, photojournalism, film and fashion photography. This gives you an opportunity to explore new and exciting areas that show career potential. You will later have the opportunity to specialise in distinct areas of study by following your own interests.
What will the controlled assessment be like?
You will be asked to submit a portfolio of work worth 60% of the final mark. You will start working on this from September in year 10. The work will be based on themes and topics suggested by your teachers as outlined above. You will be able to choose the best of your work from those themes, completed within a maximum of 45 hours of lesson time. For your mock exam you will do a controlled assessment of 10 hours based on your final project.
What will the examinations be like?
There will be a set task with themes given by the exam board in January so you have the opportunity to spend at least 10 weeks working towards your final piece. Students are encouraged to work to their creative strengths and to follow their own interests. The actual exam lasts 10 hours and that along with your prep work contributes towards 40% of your final result.
Why is art and design important?
The third highest sector of employment in the UK is in the creative industries and graduates of creative studies make up to 70% employment in high paid jobs. We are incredibly fortunate in the art and design department because we have several contacts in industries such as film, theatre, fashion, and working artists and we maintain these links through workshops and visits. The focus of each topic of study will be on exploration, research, developing techniques and outcomes. These outcomes may be linked to a theme or a real life art and design task giving our pupils an insight into real life employment experience.
Transferrable skills
Within the context of a formal education the subject supports personal, social, moral, spiritual, cultural and creative development, and the exploration of visual experiences which in turn helps to communicate ideas and meanings. These opportunities enable work with traditional and new media, developing confidence, competence, imagination and creativity in all future experiences.
Routes to employment and post 16 courses
Photography is proving to be one of the most popular courses post 16. Having engaged in a course that is mindful and progressively engaged with the vocational aspects of photography gives a head start in a competitive industry. Post 16 courses give opportunities to refine your skills and enhance prior learning with a smooth progression onto A levels and diploma courses and ultimately BA Honour degrees.
Potential careers- merchandise photographer, working on websites, fashion photographer, portrait photographer for actors, models, schools, pop stars, wedding photographer, photographer for television and film, promotions, advertising, documentary, film maker, cinematographer, photo journalist.
Who do I need to see to find out more?
Talk to Mrs Eldi or Ms Daffe for more information.
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