GCSE Photography

Why study Photography?

Photography is one of the most powerful ways we communicate ideas, tell stories and record the world around us. In a society driven by images, understanding how photographs are created, interpreted and shared has never been more important.

GCSE Photography encourages students to look closely, think creatively and develop their own visual voice. Through practical investigations, students explore how photographers use light, composition, viewpoint and editing to create meaning. They learn to experiment with both traditional and digital processes while developing technical skills and personal creativity.

Photography is far more than simply taking pictures. Students learn how to plan projects, research photographers, analyse visual imagery, refine ideas and produce meaningful final outcomes. The course develops independence, resilience, problem-solving skills and creative confidence.

This course provides an excellent foundation for the A-Level Graphic Communication course, Media Studies and Film Studies. It can also lead towards careers in photography, filmmaking, journalism, advertising, marketing, fashion, publishing, architecture, digital media, content creation and many other creative industries.

Digital Visual Arts

A montage of excellent work examples from our GCSE and A level students

Curriculum Maps

The topics we study are outlined in our curriculum maps:

THIS IS A NEW COURSE. CURRICULUM MAPS WILL BE ADDED PRIOR TO THE COURSE START DATE

How will my child be assessed?

	Assessment and Feedback Outline Approach
KS4	GCSE Photography requires students to complete two components: Component 1: Portfolio (60%) - Students produce a portfolio of practical work that demonstrates their ability to develop ideas, explore techniques and create personal outcomes. Throughout Years 10 and 11, students complete a series of projects that allow them to investigate photographers, experiment with processes and refine their creative responses. Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%) - Students respond to one of several starting points provided by AQA. Following a period of preparation and development, students complete a sustained practical outcome during a supervised examination period. Work submitted for assessment is marked against four Assessment Objectives: AO1: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources. AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes. AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses. AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.

Assessment and Feedback Outline Approach

KS4

GCSE Photography requires students to complete two components:

Component 1: Portfolio (60%) - Students produce a portfolio of practical work that demonstrates their ability to develop ideas, explore techniques and create personal outcomes. Throughout Years 10 and 11, students complete a series of projects that allow them to investigate photographers, experiment with processes and refine their creative responses.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%) - Students respond to one of several starting points provided by AQA. Following a period of preparation and development, students complete a sustained practical outcome during a supervised examination period.

Work submitted for assessment is marked against four Assessment Objectives:

AO1: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.
AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.
AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.
AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.

Trips and Enrichment Opportunities

Students studying GCSE will have the opportunity to take part in a range of visits designed to support coursework, develop technical skills and encourage independent visual investigation. These visits provide valuable opportunities to gather primary source material, explore different photographic genres and engage with contemporary visual culture.

Year 9 | Optional Trip
Location: Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter
Approximate cost: £50.00**
Description: Students explore how visual storytelling, set design, lighting and atmosphere are used to create immersive environments. The visit provides opportunities to investigate composition, narrative and the relationship between photography, film and digital media.

Year 9 | Curriculum Trip
Location: Felixstowe Coastal Photography Walk
Approximate cost: £5.00**
Description: Students collect primary photographic source material while exploring landscape, documentary and environmental photography. The visit supports observational skills and introduces students to working with natural light and changing conditions.

Year 9 | Curriculum Workshop

Location: Illuminate Studio

Approximate cost: £30.00** (depending on workshop duration and materials used)

Description: Students participate in specialist analogue photography workshops led by practicing artists and photographers. Workshops may include photograms, chemigrams, lumen prints, cyanotypes and other experimental darkroom processes, encouraging students to explore alternative image-making techniques and expand their creative practice.

Year 10 | Curriculum Trip

Location: Cambridge City Centre, Museum of Zoology and University Botanic Garden

Approximate cost: £25.00–£30.00**

Description: Students collect primary photographic source material across a range of environments, including historic architecture, museum collections and botanical specimens. The visit provides opportunities to explore portraiture, documentary, nature, architectural and close-up photography while developing technical camera skills and observational techniques.

Year 11 | Independent Curriculum Photoshoots

Location: Student-selected locations relevant to their chosen project theme

Approximate cost: Varies depending on destination, travel and any associated entry fees

Description: Students organise and undertake independent photoshoots linked to their Externally Set Assignment (ESA) starting point. These self-directed visits enable students to gather original primary source material, explore relevant locations and develop a personal photographic response to their chosen theme.

**Please note: All trip prices are approximate and may change depending on market conditions.