Photography

EXAM BOARD: EDUQAS/WJEC

Assessment of work:

The GCSE examination consists of a coursework Portfolio (60% of the final mark), several projects looked at together as a group, externally set assignments (40% of the final mark). Work is documented in work journals and a portfolio. All work is internally marked and moderated by the exam board.

Further study:

Students can go on to study A level Photography.

60% COURSEWORK

40% CONTROLLED ASSESSMENT

In GCSE the specification used is Art & Design (Photography). It emphasises the importance of photography as an art form as well as a way to communicate ideas. Development of ideas through sustained research and individual work is the most important aspect of the course. Candidates are encouraged to understand the potential of photography through: • The proper use of cameras, both film and digital and associated equipment • Developing and printing monochrome images • Working to a brief, theme or topic • Viewpoint, composition, depth of field • Presentation, layout, mounting • The production of journals and critical studies to explain ideas • Digital post-production software • Studio practice and electronic lighting • Work on location Students may choose to work in many areas of the subject area including: Photojournalism; Fashion; Portraiture; Illustration; Documentation; Landscape and Cityscape. All students must provide their own 35mm Single Lens Reflex camera in good working order, a digital camera and ideally a tripod.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

40% EXAM

EXAM BOARD: OCR

Assessment of work:

There are two exams assessing taught content in component 1 and component 2. Component 3 is the nonexam assessment (NEA), contributing 40% of the GCSE.

Further study:

This course will prepare learners for the further study of PE or sports science courses as well as other related subject areas such as psychology, sociology and biology.

60% COURSEWORK

GCSE specification in Physical Education will equip students with the knowledge, understanding, skills and values to develop and maintain their performance in physical activities and understand the benefits to health, fitness and well-being. The content of OCR’s GCSE in Physical Education is divided into three components:

Component 1: Physical factors affecting performance

Students explore how parts of the human body function during physical activity and the physiological adaptations that can occur due to diet and training. They also develop skills in data analysis, and an understanding of the principles of training, why we train in different ways and how training plans can be made to optimise results.

Component 2: Socio-cultural issues and sports psychology

Students develop their knowledge of the socialcultural and psychological influences on levels of participation in sport, and also how sport impacts on society more broadly. This includes the individual benefits to health, fitness and well-being of participating in physical activity, as well as the influences of commercialisation, sponsorship and the media.

Component 3: Performance in physical education

Students are assessed in performing three practical activities and one performance analysis task. In the practical performance, they demonstrate effective performance, the use of tactics or techniques and the ability to observe the rules and conventions under applied conditions. They are also required to demonstrate their ability to analyse and evaluate their own performance to produce an action plan for improvement.