Photography is an exciting and artistic subject where students are encouraged to develop creativity and express themselves through the use of a lens. Photography teaches you how to relate to and analyse the work of other photographers and to apply key techniques and styles to create some exciting and well composed photographs.
Learning Journey
Year 10
In Year 10, students begin the GCSE Photography course and develop a strong understanding of photographic processes through practical investigation, creative experimentation and critical analysis. Students explore the themes of Formal Elements, Dark project and Light project.
| Key Skills: |
|
- Understanding and applying the formal elements within photography.
- Planning and conducting purposeful photoshoots.
- Using compositional techniques to create effective images.
- Developing Photoshop editing and manipulation skills.
- Researching and analysing photographers and their work.
- Recording ideas through photography and annotation.
- Refining images through experimentation and creative editing.
- Producing personal responses to the themes of Dark and Light.
- Evaluating and improving work through self, peer and teacher feedback.
|
|
Year 10 Assessment Points:
Students are assessed throughout the year against the GCSE Photography Assessment Objectives and standards (AO1–AO4).
Autumn Term
• Introduction to photography and the formal elements.
• Photoshop fundamentals and compositional techniques.
• Dark Project: photographer research, analysis and photoshoots.
Spring Term
• Development and refinement of the Dark Project.
• Creative Photoshop editing and image manipulation.
• Final outcome representing the theme of Dark.
• Light Project: photographer research and photoshoots.
Summer Term
• Development, experimentation and refinement of Light Project.
• Final outcome representing the theme of Light.
• Introduction to the Light and Dark personal project preparation.
|
|
Key Vocabulary
Photography
Composition
Formal Elements
Photoshoot
Exposure
Lighting
Contrast
Dark
Light
Photoshop
Editing
Refinement
Analysis
Development
Final Outcome
|
Enrichment
Students are encouraged to extend their learning through:
• Regular independent photography outside school.
• Visiting galleries and photography exhibitions.
• Researching photographers linked to project themes.
• Practising Photoshop and digital editing skills.
• Building a digital portfolio of photographs.
• Exploring photography tutorials and resources online.
• Completing summer photography projects to support coursework.
|
Year 11
In Year 11, students build upon the skills developed in Year 10 to complete their GCSE Photography coursework portfolio and externally set assignment. Through the themes of Light and Dark and the Set Task, students independently investigate photographers, refine technical and creative skills, and produce highly personal responses. Students strengthen their understanding of the GCSE Assessment Objectives while developing confidence, critical thinking and resilience in preparation for further study in photography, art or creative media pathways.
| Key Skills: |
|
• Applying the GCSE Photography Assessment Objectives (AO1–AO4).
• Producing and refining high-quality photoshoots.
• Advanced Photoshop editing and image manipulation.
• Researching, analysing and responding to photographers.
• Developing ideas through experimentation and refinement.
• Mounting and presenting work professionally.
• Planning and producing final outcomes for coursework and examination projects.
• Managing independent projects and meeting deadlines.
|
|
Year 11 Assessment Points:
Students are assessed throughout the year against the GCSE Art Assessment Objectives and standards (AO1–AO4).
Autumn Term
• Completion and presentation of the Light and Dark project.
• Research into photographer influences.
• Production of final outcome in a mock examination (10 hours).
Spring Term
• Completion and assessment of GCSE coursework portfolio
• Launch of the GCSE Externally Set Assignment.
• Research, recording and development work in response to the chosen theme.
• Experimentation with techniques and photographer influences.
Summer Term
• Planning and preparation for the final examination.
• Production of final outcome during the 10-hour GCSE examination.
• Internal assessment and external moderation.
|
|
Key Vocabulary
Photography
Recording
Development
Refinement
Presentation
Photographer
Research
Annotation
Experimentation
Composition
Light
Dark
Mock Exam
Set Task
Final Outcome
|
Enrichment
Students are encouraged to extend their learning through:
• Maintaining an active photographic practice throughout the year.
• Visiting photography exhibitions and galleries.
• Producing independent photoshoots to support coursework.
• Researching contemporary and historical photographers.
• Attending intervention sessions and coursework workshops.
• Exploring advanced Photoshop techniques and editing tutorials.
• Developing a personal photographic style and portfolio.
|
