A Level Photography

Photography (AS and A Level)

PHOTOGRAPHY

(GCE Art and Design)

AS and A Level (Edexcel)

Campus: Cheadle and Marple

(14/07/09)

Course overview

Through a series of practical assignments you will develop understanding of a variety of photographic processes; traditional black and white film and digital technologies. You will be introduced to a wide range of techniques from studio work to photomontage, and you will be researching the influences of a wide range of photographers and artists.

Studying Photography will help you to develop your creative photography skills and enhance your visual understanding and appreciation of Art and Design. If you enjoy practical things, like being creative and seeing a worthwhile conclusion to your efforts, and have a strong interest in photography and want to expand your knowledge and understanding of the subject, this is the course for you.

You will need commitment, enthusiasm and motivation to the subject, an open mind and a willingness to be experimental and creative and the ability to meet deadlines. A grade C or above in any creative based subject is preferred but not essential.

AS Level (year one)

Unit One: Coursework

The emphasis is on introducing you to SLR camera skills and a range of photographic techniques. You will be set a variety of assignments that help you build up your technical and creative skills necessary to respond to the examination unit.

Unit Two: Externally Set Assignment

Using your skills from Unit One you will respond to a set theme from the exam board. This will culminate in a timed practical examination.

A Level (year two)

Unit Three: Coursework

The second year builds upon these skills giving you the opportunity to develop your own choice of project you will also need to develop a written personal study alongside this practical project.

Unit Four: Externally Set Assignment

A self contained practical project which involves a personal response to an externally set theme. As in year one, this culminates in a timed practical examination.

How you will learn

Mainly through being involved in a variety of projects; some on paper, some practical but all involving some form of creativity and decision making. Many lessons are based around your own individual work others are more formal and involve class discussions and learning.

How you will be assessed

All of the evidence needed to pass this subject is produced through coursework and portfolio construction. However, the course does have some practical tasks set under timed conditions.

The majority of your study is practical work. However, there are some theoretical aspects to the course which include; evaluation of your projects, annotation of your photographs and writing about the work of other photographers.

Other useful information

Students will need a digital camera and where possible a 35mm film camera and should be aware that there may be small additional costs throughout the year for items such as photographic paper.