Course Description
Photography is a creative and technical course where students use lens and light-based media to communicate ideas, feelings, and meanings. It is perfect for students who want to explore the world visually and learn how to manipulate images to tell a story.
This course allows students to work with both digital and traditional film techniques. You will learn how to control a camera (shutter speed, aperture, ISO), how to edit images using industry-standard software like Photoshop, and how to present your work professionally. Students are encouraged to develop their own personal style by studying the work of other photographers and experimenting with lighting, composition, and special effects.
Student Quotes
How will I be assessed?
The course is assessed through two components. There is no written exam in the traditional sense; instead, you complete a practical exam under supervised conditions.
- Component 1: Personal Portfolio (60%)
- Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%)
Component 1 is a major project where students develop a portfolio of work based on a theme of their choice (internally set).
Component 2 features a theme set by Edexcel. Students have a preparatory period to develop ideas, followed by a 10-hour sustained focus period (usually over two days) to produce their final outcome under exam conditions.
What will I learn?
Topic
Knowledge and understanding
Camera Skills and Techniques
Understanding the ‘exposure triangle’ (ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed); depth of field; focal points; viewpoints; studio lighting techniques; experimental use of light.
Digital and Darkroom Processes
Using Photoshop for image manipulation and editing; digital workflow; potential opportunities for traditional darkroom processing and chemical development (depending on facilities).
Documentary and Photojournalism
Capturing narrative and storytelling through images; recording real-life events; street photography; ethical considerations in photography.
Studio & Portraiture
Controlled environments; lighting setups (high key, low key); formal and informal portraiture; still life photography; commercial and product photography.
Location Photography
Working with natural light; landscape and architectural photography; manipulating visual elements in outdoor settings
Experimental Imagery
Abstract photography; using light and chemical processes to create non-traditional images; installation and projection; mixed media (combining photography with drawing/painting).
Contextual Studies
Analysing the work of historical and contemporary photographers; understanding visual language; visiting galleries and exhibitions to influence your own work
Moving image
Introduction to film, video and animation; narrative through sequence; time-based media.
What could I do next?
A GCSE in Photography is the perfect preparation for A-Level Photography, Art and Design, or Graphics. It builds a strong portfolio of work that is essential for applying to creative college courses.
The qualification supports progression into the booming creative industries, including careers in photojournalism, fashion photography, advertising, film and television, graphic design, and digital marketing. It also develops valuable transferable skills such as creative problem solving, visual communication, and project management.