Understanding Standards An overview of course assessment Photography (Higher) An overview of course assessment

What this presentation covers This presentation provides a detailed overview of the revised Photography Higher course including: Overview Course structure Component 1: Question paper Component 2: Project

Overview The content of the course has not changed. A question paper component has been introduced. Content previously only assessed in the units is now included in the project and question paper. The project will continue to be marked out of 100. Marking instructions for the project have been restructured.

Course structure The course structure comprises of two components and is marked out of 130 Component 1: Question paper – 30 marks (23%) Component 2: Project – 100 marks (77%)

Component 1 Question paper

Component 1: Question paper The question paper: samples content from across the course and includes content previously assessed in the units. assesses candidates’ knowledge and understanding of photographic work and practice. will be included in the main exam diet.

Question Paper: Structure The question paper has two sections: Section 1: 10 marks Section 2: 20 marks The time allocated to the question paper is 1 hour All questions are mandatory

Section 1 Questions 1 – 10 require candidates to select the correct response from four options. Each question is worth 1 mark. Questions may incorporate images or diagrams. Marks are awarded for demonstrating knowledge and understanding of: the properties of light and image formation camera controls image-making techniques and their effects

Section 2 Questions 11 and 12 require extended responses. Each question will contain an unseen image. Each question is worth 10 marks. Images will represent different styles and genres. These questions assess candidates’ creative and technical understanding of photography.

Section 2 Marks are awarded for analysing two unseen photographic images by: applying knowledge and understanding of the properties of light, image formation and photographic practice. drawing valid conclusions and giving explanations supported by justification.

Section 2: Command words identify explain discuss

Question 11 This question is based on an unseen image. It is broken down into parts which require candidates to respond on specific creative and technical elements of the given image. Each part will have an allocation of between 2 and 4 marks (10 marks in total).

Question 12 This is an open-ended question based on an unseen image. Candidates will be required to discuss the technical and creative factors the photographer would have considered when setting up the shot. This question is worth 10 marks.

Question Paper: Preparing candidates The course specification document contains: information on course content which will be sampled in the question paper. The specimen question paper and marking instructions will be published by September 2018.

Component 2 Project

Project The removal of unit assessment has led to the Project Assessment task being reviewed. Marking instructions have been restructured. Marks have been redistributed within the project to place more emphasis on practical photographic skills. Knowledge and understanding of social, cultural, historical and scientific influences on photographers’ work is now assessed within the project.

Project Assessment task The Project Assessment task is designed to allow candidates: an open and flexible approach. personalisation and choice. to work independently. to demonstrate their technical and creative photographic skills.

Project Assessment task The project requires candidates to: agree a suitable topic. plan and research their project. develop a body of photographic work relevant to their topic. produce 12 final prints. evaluate their photographic work and practice.

Project: Marking instructions The marking instructions for the project have been revised to reflect the changes to the course assessment The project is split into three sections: Section 1 – Planning, research and investigation – 20 marks Section 2 – Development and production – 70 marks Section 3 – Evaluation – 10 marks

Project: Planning, research and investigation Candidates will be assessed on their ability to: plan a project in response to a selected topic. (10 marks) produce and compile relevant investigative research. (5 marks) explain the impact of external influences on selected photographers’ work and practice. (5 marks)

Project: Development and production Candidates will be assessed on their ability to: produce a sustained and creative line of photographic development work. (20 marks) demonstrate ongoing creative decision-making and refinement. (10 marks) produce 12 photographic prints which show: technically competence. (20 marks) creative response to their topic. (20 marks)

Project: Evaluation Candidates will be assessed on their ability to evaluate: the effectiveness of their photographic practice. (5 marks) the effectiveness of their final prints. (5 marks) The evaluation has a 500 word limit.

Project: Preparing candidates The Project Assessment task is published on the SQA website. This contains: instructions for teachers and lecturers. marking instructions. instructions for candidates.

Project: Submission Projects can be submitted in a variety of formats. The 12 final prints must be a minimum of A5 and a maximum of A4, or equivalent area.

Useful links Important information and documents can be accessed through the Photography subject page as they are published: Course specification Course support notes Specimen question paper and marking instructions Project Assessment task Understanding standards materials

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