OCR GCSE Art & Design: Photography specification (J173)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR GCSE Art & Design: Photography exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR GCSE Art & Design: Photography specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR GCSE Art & Design: Photography (J173) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
The GCSE in Art & Design: Photography develops learners’ creative, technical, and analytical skills through engagement with lens- and light-based media. Students learn to investigate and produce photographic work using digital or chemical processes, developing ideas through experimentation, research, and reflection. They are encouraged to explore visual language, composition, and meaning while investigating relevant artists, genres, and techniques. The course supports personal expression and equips learners with transferable creative and critical thinking skills for further study or creative careers.Subject content breakdown
Photography (J175)
- Defined as creating original imagery using light and lens-based media.
Can include:
- Portraiture – individual, group, or self-portraits.
- Location photography – natural or urban environments.
- Studio photography – controlled lighting setups.
- Experimental imagery – abstract or unconventional outcomes.
- Installation – photographs used in spatial or 3D arrangements.
- Moving image – video, animation or time-based sequences.
- Photographic installation – combining photographs with physical space.
- Photomontage – manual or digital image construction.
Students must:
- Understand formal elements such as composition, depth, light, and tone.
- Explore image-making using digital and/or chemical processes.
- Investigate photographic genres, movements, and practitioners.
- Develop ideas through recording, editing, and refining.
- Present a final personal and coherent photographic response.
Assessment structure
Component 01: Portfolio (non-exam assessment)
- Worth 60% of total GCSE.
- Set and marked by the centre; externally moderated.
- Includes a sustained project and additional work.
- Evidence must cover all four assessment objectives:
- AO1: Develop ideas with contextual understanding.
- AO2: Refine techniques and approaches.
- AO3: Record observations and intentions.
- AO4: Present meaningful personal outcomes.
Component 02: Externally Set Task
- Worth 40% of total GCSE.
- Paper issued in January of the examination year.
- Preparation period followed by 10 hours of supervised time.
- Learners produce a final outcome informed by preparatory work.
- Must address all assessment objectives.
- Internally marked, externally moderated.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR GCSE Art & Design: Photography isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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