Options Booklet

Exams and Assessment Information • Finished coursework photographs (personal portfolio) • Preparation and research done for coursework (coursework = 60% of final grade) • A ten hour exam (externally set assignment) at the end of the course on a theme chosen by the exam board. This will include preparation and final photographs. (exam = 40% of final grade) What will I learn about? • The functions of the camera and how to use an SLR • How to look properly and compose good photographs • How to analyse the work of other photographers and relate these to your own photographs • Becoming critical about your work in order to progress • How to find the odd and weird in the everyday images you see • How to effect subtle editing – but remembering that the less editing done, the better the initial photograph • Developing exciting portfolios of photographs • Experimenting with lighting effects • How to carry out thorough research DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY How will I learn? • Developing a personal portfolio of work through a variety of projects – you will probably undertake 5 or 6 projects on this course • Undertaking a mock exam – we should have at least one of these on the course • Going on research trips for location shoots • Looking at exemplar work and that of other photographers – relating your work to theirs • Being experimental with how you take photos rather than the straight-forward ‘Facebook’ shot! Where could Digital Photography take me? • It is the ideal foundation to take you on to the A Level course. • A career in journalism photography, fashion photography or medical photography. • It can be part of building a portfolio for further education entry. Additional Costs and Entry Requirements • There are significant costs attached to this course. We sell a set of equipment at the start including an SD card, an SD card reader, an A2 folder, memory pen and some glue. Students are expected to print off on good quality paper two or three prints per project. They can do this online which is the cheapest method • There are no specific entry requirements for this course however, students must be aware that there is a significant amount of written work involved as well as a notable amount of independent research Course Specification & further information • EDEXCEL exam board (codes 1PY0/01 and 1PY0/02). • Check costs attached to this course • It is not necessary to have a digital camera to access this course as we have a several SLR cameras and compact digitals – however it is always good to have your own equipment • Look at the Digital Photography section under Art on ItsLearning. • Sign up to ‘Pinterest’ for images and ideas • Students must always back their work up on a computer at home or an external memory • IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT THAT STUDENTS WHO WISH TO OPT FOR THIS SUBJECT UNDERSTAND IT INVOLVES ASPECTS OF WRITING AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHY 22