Photography GCSE Short Course

Photography GCSE Short Course
This is a beginners' course for students with an enthusiasm for photography.

What does the course involve?
The GCSE Short course consists of three hours each week where you will learn the basics of camera control. This will include how to use a camera, how to compose good pictures, how to process your films and how to develop them into black and white prints in the Darkroom. You will also research the work of other photographers by gathering both visual and written material in order to gain inspiration and ideas. You will also learn how to read a photograph, examining what it means, how it was made and if any messages are implied by the image, an analysis you will also apply to your own photographs.

What will I study?
Coursework: The course is assessed through a body of coursework that will be presented in the form of an extended photographic project. The course project accounts for 60% of the final mark.

Examination: The examination consists of a practical project carried out over a period of several weeks, on a topic chosen from an exam paper, this culminates in a 10 hour practical examination in the darkroom. (2 Days) The examination accounts for 40% of the final mark.

How is the course assessed?

• Examination at the end of the course
• Coursework

What other costs are there?
Supplementary Costs
Band A (£0 - £50)

Frequently Asked Questions
What are the entry requirements?
Some knowledge of photography would be an advantage, but it is not essential as this course is for beginners. The most important requirement is an enthusiasm for photography.

What equipment will I need?
In order to participate fully in the course you will need a single lens reflex camera, preferably with manual overide. Second hand SLRs will be fine as long as they are in working order.

Will there be any trips?
Usually there are no organised trips for this course, however we do go out on walking locations shoots in and around the town of Cirencester.

Will there be any homework?
Yes, you will need to take photographs in your own time as well as on the organised location shoots. This enables you to be more creative with your photographs. There will also be written work to accompany your coursework folders.

Is there any written work?
Yes. You will be required to write small amounts to accompany the processes you have learnt, the photographers you have researched and analysis of your own photographs.

Where can I buy materials?
The college Reprographics Department carries a good selection of Photographic materials as well as stationary, all at special student prices.

Will I have to buy many materials?
All chemicals are supplied throughout the course and photographic paper is included during the introductory period of the course only, after which you will have to supply your own film and photographic paper. On average you will need to purchase about 10 films throughout the year and 4 or 5 packs of paper.
Exam Board = OCR

This information is believed to be correct. Cirencester College continually updates and reviews its provision to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Therefore the right to amend, change or delete learning programmes, accreditation routes or terms and conditions relating to entitlement to study is reserved at all times. We aim to provide open access to a comprehensive range of high quality education and training for the whole community over the age of 16 regardless of race, class, belief, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, previous educational attainment or particular circumstances.