GCSE Photography

Externally Set Task

2018

You have 12 weeks to carry out preparation work including visuals and notes
to explain ideas and prove your knowledge & understanding.
You will then complete a ‘final piece’ during the 10 hour ‘test’ based upon the
work you do in preparation.
Your work will be marked on how well you:
AO1: Develop ideas through investigating the work of others
Demonstrate analytical and cultural understanding.
AO2: Review, modify and refine ideas
Experiment with and select appropriate media, techniques and processes.
AO3: Record observations and ideas
AO4: Produce a personal finished final piece
Make connections with the work of your chosen artist(s)
Demonstrate analytical and critical understanding

Preparation time:
February 9th- May 8th
In all photo lessons and your own time
Test Sessions:
The appearance and tactile nature of surfaces sometimes inspires
artists.
WB: 8th May
Group 1: 8th & 9th May Group 2: 10th & 11th May
 GCSE Photography EST 2018
  Choosing a question: you must choose a starting point from the
selection given. You must also select     two artists to research from the
lists given related to each starting point. Think carefully about your skills,
what are your strengths and what are your weaknesses? This is the time
to show off what you are best at!

Preparation work:

Week One and Two: Explore the starting point (AO3)

Explore the question you have chosen

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

!Explore all of the given starting points to enable you to
choose your preferred option on which to base your
project.
!Define the meaning of the starting point- (this is often just
one or two simple sentences)
!Mind map your chosen theme- think of as many areas
that relate to the theme as possible. Identify areas/themes
within the starting point you are most interested by (make
this clear on your research)
!Create a visual mood board of themes you are inspired
by- research and collect imagery to illustrate the possible
direction of your project
!Make a list of objects/imagery you need to collect and
photos you need to take that relate to your chosen aspect
of the question
!Collect the imagery/objects you need to work from over
the next two weeks

Weeks Three and Four: Artist Research and Analysis (AO1)

Create thorough research pages on your two chosen artists

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

!Research information about your chosen artists using the
visual literacy sheet to add notes about the visual
characteristics of their work- remember to use the visual
characteristics as keywords on your page
!Collect visual examples of your artists work
!Choose three pieces of your artist’s work to analyse in
detail: colour, composition, photographic genre, subject,
materials etc using the visual literacy sheet

!Choose a piece of your artist’s work to recreate in

appropriate techniques and materials using your own or
found images (better if they are your own!)

Weeks Five, Six, Seven and Eight: Visual research (AO3)

Recording in visual forms

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:

!Take at least one series of photographs of the chosen
aspect of your theme
!Print off your contact sheets and analyse them in detail.
Highlighting potential imagery for further development, or
identifying what to take additional shoots of.
!Experiment with your chosen images from your contact
sheets in ways that respond to the starting point or mirror
the way your chosen photographers work. This can be
digitally or manually. This will help you start to develop
ideas

Week Nine and Ten: Development (AO1 and AO2)

Develop design ideas based upon your knowledge.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
! Based on your theme research, photos and artist’s work
create at least THREE initial designs. Annotate them to
explain their links to the theme and artists studied.
! Based on your THREE initial designs, develop TWO more
ideas combining elements of your initial designs. Annotate
them to explain their links to the theme, artists studied and
how they have developed from the initial ideas and why.

Weeks Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen: Final Designs (AO2 and

AO4)
Final design and controlled time preparation
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO:
!Try out a range of materials and techniques mocking up
your ideas in rough to see how they look. This will help you
make decisions on how to move forward to a final piece.
!Use your research and designs so far to come up with a
developed design based on the themes you have selected
from the starting point and your chosen artist’s work.
!Carefully annotate your design.

! Produce a detailed final design: exactly what your piece

will look like. Add notes to explain what you’re doing step by
step and in particular explain how your work connects to
your artist’s work.
! If you have time try out your final design in your chosen
medium.
!Create a plan for the exam, what you will need, how long
parts will take etc.

All you have to do is the final piece you’ve planned!

You must take all your preparation work into the test with you.

Preparation Deadline
You must hand in your completed sketchbook/PPt research
board on:

FRIDAY 27th APRIL

This is the weekend before the exam begins- any additional work
you need to complete must be done on paper/separately and
added into your sketchbook before your first exam session starts.

Evaluation
Take a photograph of your final piece and describe any
changes between your final design and the finished piece,
explaining the reasons for these changes and how your work
links to the artist.

10  hour  Test  (AO4)

Remember that 75% of the marks are in the preparation work

and if you are properly prepared the controlled time should be
relatively stress free!

TIPS:
•   Plan out your sketchbook/ppt- know what is going on each
page/slide
•   Type titles up, save time on drawing them out- use free font
 websites to find some unique fonts!
•   Try to minimise timewasting by painting backgrounds- use
dry materials instead e.g cut torn paper, wrapping paper,
coloured papers, chalk pastel- (avoid oil pastel for
backgrounds as they are messy!)
•   Avoid double mounting images in sketchbooks
•   Write only in pencil so that mistakes can easily be rectified
•   Ask for help if you are stuck or struggling!
•   Email me if you need help/advice
rheaton@roundhayschool.com
Sketchbook Plan
 Homework
Keeping on top of work is the BEST way to be successful and
avoid stress. Keep yourself organised!

Date set Task/s Date due

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

Week 8
Notes:
Exam Timeline