AS and A2 level Art - Photography

AS and A2 level Art - Photography

All Art and Design courses provide a stimulating and exciting exploration into the varied art specialisms. You will develop ideas by researching into other artists and be encouraged to examine the world around you visually. You will work through a variety of techniques and learn to work with appropriate media, materials and processes. As an Art and Design student, you will be expected to write about your work, to express personal, creative ideas and produce final outcomes using a range of approaches and methods. You will primarily develop your art in A3 Workbooks; final pieces are produced in a wide range of sizes. It is possible to study two Art and Design subjects as part of your learning programme.
A level Photography requires you to deal with themes and messages on a visual basis. Photography is designed to encourage you to develop your creativity and self expression. You will explore the world of visual images through a variety of exciting and stimulating photography-based projects.
The course makes you think about visual communication: why is a picture worth a thousand words? Investigations into the work of other photographers and practical experiments help develop an understanding of the creative process used in Art and Design.

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
Photography is about using the camera as a creative tool to record the world around us. After gaining an understanding of the technical processes involved, you will be given starting points from which to develop your own ideas through research and practical explorations into different styles and themes. During each unit you will carry out technical exercises related to darkroom practice, camera techniques, composition, and the formal elements of Art and Design.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
Equal emphasis is placed on technical learning, practical projects, research, and the analysis of images. As well as traditional darkroom techniques, such as black and white printing, you will be encouraged to spend time investigating digital imaging using scanners and digital cameras in conjunction with Adobe PhotoShop software. At A2 equal emphasis is given to theoretical and practical investigations. You will be expected to take responsibility for directing much of your own practical projects and research work.

HOW WILL THE COURSE BE ASSESSED?
The two AS Units are:


·Coursework Documents the creative journey of techniques and ideas explored within the subject.

·Externally set assignment
The exam board gives you a word like Sanctuary as a starting point, which you explore through different applications within the medium.

The two A2 Units are:

·Coursework
Same as above, but the ideas and concepts are dealt on a more mature and sophisticated level.

·Externally set assignment

WHAT OTHER SUBJECTS COULD I DO WITH PHOTOGRAPHY?
With an emphasis on visual communication Photography combines well with a range of Arts and humanities subjects. Photography has strong links with Media Studies and Graphic Design, as well as the other Art and Design courses.

AND AFTER THE COURSE?
You may go on to study Photography on a Higher Education course or combine it with other creative subjects such as Graphic Design, Web Design, Multi-Media, Advertising or Video Production. Possible careers within Photography could include Journalism, Advertising, Media and Film.

Requirement
If you have studied Photography or Art to GCSE it would be advantageous. However, a keen interest in photography combined with enthusiasm and a willingness to work hard during lessons and in your own time are the most important requirements. To improve your background knowledge you may be required to attend practical workshops. Students studying Photography will be expected to provide their own materials. For this reason a â€-Starter Pack†is available for first year Photography students. Items such as film and photo paper will be available for sale in the curriculum area. Students will also need a 35mm SLR camera: however, before buying a camera you should seek advice from one of the subject tutors.