The photography endorsement within the WJEC GCSE Art and Design qualification focuses on the development of creative, technical, and critical skills through the lens of lens-based media. Learners explore, experiment, and refine photographic processes to communicate meaning, responding to personal and given starting points while demonstrating an understanding of visual language and contextual influences.
Photography in WJEC GCSE Art and Design is a dynamic and creative subject that allows you to explore the world through a lens. You will learn to use both digital and traditional photographic techniques to capture, manipulate, and present images that communicate ideas, emotions, and narratives. The course emphasizes the importance of visual literacy, composition, and the ability to critically analyze your own work and that of others, including historical and contemporary photographers.
This topic is not just about technical skills; it's about developing a personal artistic voice. You will experiment with lighting, aperture, shutter speed, and post-production software like Adobe Photoshop to create a portfolio of work that demonstrates your understanding of the formal elements of art—line, tone, colour, texture, form, and space. Photography is a vital part of contemporary art and media, and studying it helps you understand how images shape our culture and communication.
Within the WJEC specification, photography is often studied as part of a broader Art and Design course, but it can also be a standalone endorsement. You will produce a portfolio of work (60% of the final grade) and complete an externally set assignment (40%). The portfolio should show a journey from initial ideas through experimentation to a final outcome, with a clear connection to the work of other artists and photographers.
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