TOYS AND MINIWORLDS
Learning how to use a DSLR camera and refining skills in digital editing
In this short project we begin by looking at photographers Mike Stimpson and Slinkachu, who both work with small figures to create a new perspective on the world. Students analyse the photographers' work and create their own images in response, using similar props and techniques. We learn the basics of aperture, ISO and shutter speed edit our work using Adobe Photoshop. This project is designed as an introduction to the course.
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STUDENT RESPONSES
Following on from this, we begin to learn new techniques in editing, looking at other sources such as film and television.
COMPONENT 1 - PERSONAL PORTFOLIO
Coursework - 60% of the GCSE
Project 1 - Nature Into Abstraction
In Project 1 we use the skills learned in the Toys and Miniworlds project to begin to develop our ideas on the
theme of Nature Into Abstraction.
We start to produce work which will be marked according to the Assessment Objectives set by the Examining Body, AQA.
www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201-8206/scheme-of-assessment
theme of Nature Into Abstraction.
We start to produce work which will be marked according to the Assessment Objectives set by the Examining Body, AQA.
www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/gcse/art-and-design-8201-8206/scheme-of-assessment
We begin by looking at photographers who work on the theme, analysing their work and responding to them in a personal way. We complete shoots in the classroom and also at home - it is essential to do location shoots outside of lesson time as this helps to gain marks for AO2 in particular. Students can borrow DSLR cameras from school overnight for home shoots.
To begin with we look closely at the work of Edward Weston and Karl Blossfeldt, both of whom make photographs using light as an important element to create a sense of abstraction and mystery. |
STUDENT RESPONSES
During the first project we visit Kew Gardens where we take a series of specific location shoots responding to the photographers we have investigated so far and we also plan ahead towards artists who use colour in their photographs such as Mika Ninagawa and Fischli & Weiss.
STUDENT RESPONSES
We want students to have an opportunity to experiment using their own ideas which are developed from the contextual learning undertaken so far, so each project finishes with an opportunity to experiment creatively with photography to produce a developed, personal response to the theme of Nature Into Abstraction, gaining marks for AO4. We have excellent resource boards where students find different ideas to experiment with, using the skills they have already developed and more that they learn independently through their explorations. There is also lots of support from teachers who can guide you through your development, allowing you to make the key creative decisions which will lead you towards your final outcome.
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STUDENT INDEPENDENT OUTCOMES FOR PROJECT 1
Project 2 - Identity
By the time we get to Project 2 of the coursework our skills are highly developed and we can use our knowledge and understanding of lighting and composition to respond to a number of photographers who focus on the theme of Identity such as David Bailey and Ouka Leele.
STUDENT RESPONSES
At the end of Project 2 there is once again the chance to experiment independently, developing ideas around the theme of Identity and portraiture, taking inspiration from a wide range of photographers who are included in our online resource boards. This part of the coursework really gives an opportunity to showcase the skills and ideas that have been built up over the last two years of the course and those students who experiment fully both inside and outside of school can use this piece of work to secure a high level result at GCSE.
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STUDENT INDEPENDENT OUTCOMES FOR PROJECT 2
COMPONENT 2 - EXTERNALLY SET ASSIGNMENT
Exam- 40% of the GCSE
At the start of the Spring Term the exam board release the exam paper and we spend the next term creating an independent project based around one of the suggested starting points. The starting points are very diverse and there is always something that appeals. In previous years some of the options have been 'Manipulating Reality', 'Moments in Time', 'Discarded Items', 'The Choice of Colour' and 'Framing'.
We have already learned how to make a successful project in the coursework (in fact by this point you will have done it twice with a lot of guidance). Now it is your chance to use the same structure and techniques to produce a personal project on your chosen theme, starting with analysing and responding to photographers you have found (again we have comprehensive Pinterest boards to support you as soon as the exam paper is released). It is really important that you use your time outside lessons to take photo shoots for Component 2. Everyone will be working on a different project and it is not always possible to do the shoots in class. You will have priority for cameras at this point and everything you do both inside and outside lessons goes towards your final mark for this component.
FINAL OUTCOMES FOR COMPONENT 2 - THE EXAM
Our students always get great results for GCSE.
Last year 100% of our students achieved GCSE Level 4+
41% of students achieved a GCSE Level 7+.
But the most important thing is that students
learn well and enjoy the course.
Creativity is critical to the way that we approach
the rest of our education and our future life so
Photography GCSE is a great choice!
Last year 100% of our students achieved GCSE Level 4+
41% of students achieved a GCSE Level 7+.
But the most important thing is that students
learn well and enjoy the course.
Creativity is critical to the way that we approach
the rest of our education and our future life so
Photography GCSE is a great choice!