Urgently Needed: Photographic Approaches To Gcse & A Level Photography, All Exam Boards

ABOUT THIS COURSE

GCSE & A-Level Art & Design specifications are now 10 years old!   Digital Photography courses, although high in entry numbers, are producing work which is quicker, easier and of a lower standard than ALL other courses! WHY? They are 'Image capture/digital manipulation/after the shot courses - NOT PHOTOGRAPHIC!   Misinterpretations and pitfalls in the approach to teaching digital photography are greater than ever! This is proven when exam boards moderate student outcomes at the end of each year and write their reports. It's also apparent in separate grade boundaries at A Level and when students do not gain their expected marks and grades including hitting on the top mark bands.   Lack of photographic technical considerations, use of image capture devices instead of camera craft, little or no use of contact sheets, no reference to traditional darkroom practice with little evidence of employing purposeful digital exposure techniques and processes, poor image quality outcomes 'playfully' experimented with both digitally and/or using traditional after the shot methods, copious annotation when it is not a requirement, limited honing of skills, 'riding too many horses' where experimentation takes place with no exploration of an idea, pastiche work, limited analytical or critical understanding of established contextual references, over directed projects, shallow ideas based on imposed broad themes, 'Issues' based work hijacking the subject, lack of intellectual rigor, & ignoring the purpose of the written element treating it as an Art History essay or 'research'!   This brand-new course consolidates over 10 years of national observations of what has worked well, and persistent pitfalls seen in the classroom. It includes up to date analysis of the Summer 2025 exam series.   This is an 'Ultimate Guide to' a photographic approach to GCSE and A Level Photography and is a 'One Stop Shop'. Yes, we provide a framework of all the 'must haves' for both components but the day is flexible. We will be led by your learning needs based on your students. Resources provided may well be reviewed and updated after the session to provide you will all you need to know.  

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BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

• Exceptional practice highlighted and teaching strategies modelled for you in a 'take away' fashion for both GCSE & A Level.
• Based on the current Exam Series feedback; avoid all national pitfalls and misinterpretations with all your students throughout their course.
• 'Smart', time saving teaching methods which used technical ability with a camera to 'unlock' creative approaches and quality outcomes
• Identify characteristics of mark bands and what is needed to reach the next mark band up, including the 'Top' mark band requirements - avoid marks being adjusted by moderators.
• 'Outstanding' Ofsted graded lessons in analytical and critical unpicking of contextual references which drives better practical outcomes. Which photographic sources to investigate and when.
• Exploit key approaches to both The Personal Investigation, (not a portfolio), and exam components to maximise outcomes. Best practice for preparatory and supervised time work for the ESA component 2.
• Build an ethos of 'rigor', 'intellect' and 'honing' of photographic skills and ideas with all your GCSE or A Level Photography students.

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• New to teaching GCSE or A Level Photography (any exam board)
• Experienced but have hit a 'Plato' with marks and grades
• Had your marks adjusted downwards by exam board moderators
• Teachers unable to reach the 'Top' mark band at A LEVEL Art & Design
• Teachers needing help understanding technical photography skills
• Art teachers or non specialists teaching 'Photography' their students.

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PROGRAMME

10.00am: 'The Good, The Bad and The Ugly'! What Went on in 2025

• Your learning needs - why you are here and what you need sorting out
• What a successful 'Photographic' component does and 'must' dos in 2026
• National pitfalls and misinterpretations identified and understood
• What is a 'Photograph', what technical considerations 'must' be taught and employed by students in ALL their work.
• Start to plan 'Key Sequence of Operations' to address the above

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10.30am: Full Control of Kit & Clarity of Skill and Intentions We will 'put you in the shoes of your students'. How to plan efficiently for a photo shoot, how to choose and investigate an area of study with sufficient scope and how to ensure students are in control of their kit based on their clear intentions..

• A01 Workshop - 50 Steps

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11.15am: Break

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11.30am: Technical Vs Aesthetic Considerations in A-Level Photography The balance between knowledge and understanding, skill and technique, (skill and idea), is crucial for an A level Photography student undertaking The Personal Investigation. Embracing and manipulating the camera unlocks both evidence of technical and aesthetic learning. No Image Capture or Photoshop to distract us here, this will be a exploration of media, technique, reviewing and refining as we go.

• Workshop - The Bucket Theory!

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12.30pm: Lunch 

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1.30pm: Reflecting and Recording Intentionally and in an Informed Way Responding to starting points efficiently is key for a successful student beginning the Externally Set Assignment. We will explore the practice of emulation, insightful annotation to unlock a student's potential with their exam component. The difference between analytical and critical understanding demonstrated within photography. How to ensure digital photography students maximise the 15-hour supervised time.

• A03 Workshop - Working from references

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2.30pm: Break

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2.45pm: Intentions, Higher Order Thinking and Producing the Best 'Photographs' Here, we ensure students' work is independent, personal and avoids ‘spoon feeding’! When, how and why  to look at additional sources and maximise students’ ability  to reflect, review and refine their work as it progresses - staging evidence, alternative pathways Embedding insightful annotation quickly and meaningfully and embracing whole school literacy strategies - thought triggers for subtle adjustments of intent. Building Conviction, Intellect and Rigour!

• AO4 Workshop - Cup & Saucers!

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3.30pm: Depart