You are required to produce a folder of work (the Curriculum Area will provide you with a folder) over the three year course. You will complete at least three main projects and these objectives and homework will be an integral part of the course.
Each project should include preparatory work, a sketchbook, imaginative work, experimenting with a variety of media, graphics, printing, collage, ceramics, sculpture, creative textiles, etc.
The subject matter will incorporate still life including natural and man-made forms, people/figures, land, sea or townscape, art from other cultures, etc.
This is a 10-hour exam. The candidates are given the exam paper one month in advance; they will take photographs, plan ideas, make detailed studies and collect information for their chosen question.
The final piece must be finished, along with their preparatory studies within the 10 hours which is spread over a period of a few weeks in their lessons.
Coursework and the Controlled Test work are assessed internally at the beginning of May and by a subject moderator in June. It is marked using four Assessment Objectives:
The course consists of Coursework (60%) and the Controlled Test (40%).
Both are marked internally and moderated by a representative of the exam board at the end of the course.
Students will learn the basics of photography – how images are produced, using a camera, composing photographs, developing films and prints, as well as a variety of techniques and effects with both traditional and digital photography.
Students must complete a minimum of two and a maximum of four projects. Each project should include preparatory work, sketchbook, or log/journal which relates to a final piece.
Subject matter may be still life/observation, portraiture/figurative, land, sea, or townscape, or set on a theme (e.g. reflection/distortion, viewpoints, movement, transport, young/old, events/areas).
Candidates receive an exam paper four weeks before starting a final piece based on one chosen starting point, which must be completed within ten hours. This four week preparatory period is used to take photographs, plan ideas, collect information and research techniques and the work of photographers. The final exam paper is normally issued in February and the final piece is completed during March of the final year of the course.
Coursework and Controlled Test projects are displayed for assessment during the Summer Term. This is marked on the following points:
Owning a camera would be useful (as taking photographs out of school is sometimes required) but not essential. However, students will need to purchase photographic paper and possibly some films, depending on the number of photographs needed. The majority of work will be black & white photography, although some digital imaging is also involved.
