Photography

Course summary

Exam board – Pearson/Edexcel, Specification 9PY0 Minimum requirements for the course: Grade 5 in English and either Grade 6 in Photography if studied or Grade 5 in an Arts or Humanities subject. Staff contact: Ms King, hking@cheneyschool.org What is Photography all about? Photography has been used by practitioners to record, document and present examples of everyday life, documenting human behaviours and the natural world. It has also been used as a vehicle for communicating viewpoints, capturing expression and personal narratives. It is used in the creative process across art and design, and is widely used in social (documentary), commercial (media and film making) and scientific contexts (research and medical imaging). Course structure: Coursework (60%): Sept 2026 – January 2028. Incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work, and a personal study. This course begins with playful, experimental elements and learning core practical skills including Photoshop, followed by a personal project of your choice where you develop your own portfolio. Exam (40%): February 2028 – May 2028. Incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and the 15-hour period of sustained focus (practical exam). Complementary courses: Humanities, Languages, English Literature, Performing Arts and Social Sciences. Leads to: Any practical or theoretical arts-based degree, jobs in the creative industries e.g. social media photography, fashion, advertising, photojournalism, media, graphic design, filmmaking, video editor, scientific research, animation, PR, game design or practical apprenticeships. Resources: It would be helpful to have your own digital camera and access to photo editing software that you can use at home. You may find it useful to have your own copy of 100 Ideas that Changed Photography : Mary Warner Marien What students say: ‘It’s great to learn technical skills like digital editing and filmmaking, while also developing conceptual ideas in my personal area of interest.’