SUBJECT	GCSE Photography (Year 12 as of Sept 2009)
ADMISSIONS	The course is intended to form part of an educational continuum, which progresses naturally from GCSE Art. It is intended to suit the needs of pupils who have an interest and aptitude in photography, and who may wish to undertake further studies leading to careers for which an Art and Design background is relevant. It is preferable for students to have at least a grade B in GCSE Art. The most artistically creative students achieve the highest results in Photography with work produced that is inspiringly individual.
COURSE	Pupils intending to take GCSE Photography should be highly motivated and able to use fragmented periods of time constructively. In their own time each pupil is required to spend a minimum of four hours a week on project work. Students will need to demonstrate a high degree of commitment and self-discipline combined with a good technical and creative ability. Along with practical work a high level of theoretical and conceptual understanding is developed over the year.
YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO:	Record observations, experiences and ideas in forms that are appropriate to intentions Analyse and evaluate images, objects and artefacts showing understanding of context Develop and explore ideas using media, processes and resources, reviewing, modifying and refining work as progresses Make a personal response, realising intentions and making informed connections with the work of others
GCSE REQUIREMENTS (1 YEAR)	Coursework (3 units)             Worth 60% of GCSE marks Externally set assignment     Worth 40% of GCSE marks Externally set assignments are 10 hours duration for GCSE
ASSESSMENT	The Art Department will continually assess the work throughout the course. This will in the main take the form of tutorials and in progress discussions where appropriate. All work will be internally marked at the completion of unit and externally moderated by a representative of the Examination board.
CAREERS	Beyond GCSE & A Level, courses are available at both degree and higher BTEC levels in three of our local Art Colleges. These range from the Fine Arts to courses in most areas of 2 and 3 dimensional designs and could lead to career opportunities in the fields of multi-media, film and television, photography, theatre, advertising, product and architectural design, fashion design and industrial design amongst others.