Photography

Photography – A-Level Qualification

Examining Body:

AQA

Entry Criteria:

Grade 4 or above GCSE Art and Design or Photography is desirable. Applicants not meeting this criteria may be accepted after interview

Course Leader:

Mr R Vaughan

Why? :

This course is suitable for anyone who enjoys the creative process using lens-based media. Students will explore a range of photographic techniques using both traditional and new technologies. Integral to the investigating and making process, you will explore images, artefacts and resources relating to Photography and a wider range of art and design. You will respond through practical and critical activities which demonstrate your understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.

Course Structure:

Duration: 2 years.

Unit 1: Personal Investigation
Unit 2: Externally set assignment

In the first term you will learn the photographic skills and techniques you need in order to successfully complete the course. These skills include the technical use of cameras so you can operate them successfully in manual mode as well as developing the ability to create work based on ideas, concepts and themes. You will need to be able to demonstrate your ability to research, develop ideas and link work to related critical/contextual materials. By term three of the course you will start the first unit of the A level which is the Personal investigation. This is your chance to develop a big portfolio of work based on a concept or theme or your choice. This unit also requires a written element of between 2,000-3,000 words. In February of the second year you will have completed Unit 1 and be ready to start Unit 2 which is an exam unit or an ‘Externally Set Assignment’. Students are given an exam paper with a choice of questions on set themes and have to develop a project in response to one of them.

There is a 15-hour exam in April of the second year when a final piece of work has to be completed.

Unit 1: Personal Investigation (60%)
Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%)

Extended Learning:

To support their work in the classroom students will be required to take a substantial number of photographs every month, to experiment with creative processes and reflect upon visual imagery. They will also need to attend exhibition visits throughout the two years.