AS Photography

Photography
This popular and enjoyable course is based on Photography as an art form.
No previous experience of photography is required. Enthusiasm and creativity will be important attributes.

AS and A Level Photography is challenging and you will need to be organised and prepared to work hard at developing your work. Commitment outside of lessons is crucial to success at this level. You will be set regular homework, which will take the form of written work, film taking and updating sketchbooks. You will be encouraged to visit galleries. There is at least one trip to London and one trip to Europe or New York each year.

It is essential that you have your own 35mm SLR camera as the course concentrates mainly on the craft of traditional black and white photography. You will also be introduced to Adobe Photoshop software and work on Applemac computers. You will benefit from a well-resourced department, with two large darkrooms and a full-time specialist technician.

In June 2009 the pass rate was 100% with A-B grades at AS level exceeding national benchmarks.

The course is heavily subscribed. Therefore we suggest that you register an interest in the subject on your application. Introductory Day in July is also an important opportunity to find out more about the course and ensure that it is right for you.

What Will I Learn On This Course?

· How to use a 35mm SLR camera.
· Thoughtful picture taking: Composition, viewpoint, lighting, texture, tone, shape, symbolism.
· How to process black and white film and print from negatives in a traditional darkroom.
· Experimental darkroom techniques.
· Creative image making such as collage, image transfer, Lith printing.
· Scanning, manipulating and saving images using Adobe Photoshop, incorporating colour.
· How to analyse your own work and the work of other photographers using subject specialist language.
· How to present your work.

Course Content And Method Of Assessment

Photography is a skill for life. Although many students choose to continue to study art at university, those that don't often continue to enjoy taking pictures and appreciate the role of the image in our culture.

AS - UNIT 1: Coursework Portfolio
This is a largely practical project inspired by broad themes. In addition to practical work you will be required to study the work of other photographers and will learn how to analyse their images.
Preparatory work is presented in the form of a sketchbook. Final pieces are mounted separately.

AS - UNIT 2: Controlled Assignment
This is a practical examination with externally set themes. You will be given a minimum of 3 weeks to produce preliminary studies, then in a 5 hour examination you will produce a focused practical response.

A2 - UNIT 3: Personal Investigation
This is a practical project with a strong personal theme. In relation to your practical work you will be required to study in depth the work of more than one photographer.
Preparatory work is presented in the form of a sketchbook. Final pieces are mounted separately.

A2 - UNIT 4: Controlled Assignment
This is a practical examination with externally set themes. You will be given a minimum of 3 weeks to produce preliminary studies and then in a 15 Hour examination you will produce well resolved final pieces.

The specification followed is that offered by OCR.
All units are internally assessed by your teacher and then moderated by OCR.

After The Course

Photography compliments many programmes of study from other Arts to Sciences
The course attracts a broad range of students as reflected in the destinations data for June 2006:

33% progressed to B.A Hons courses in Academic subjects
26% progressed to employment
25% progressed to a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
10% progressed to B.A Hons courses in Photography
6% progressed to B.A Hons courses in related art subjects such as Fine Art, Graphics, Textiles

Subject Combinations

It is possible to study two art subjects as part of your programme. However it is not possible to combine this subject with Moving image as they are both classified as Lens Based Media by the Examination board.

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at Grade C or above. Students are required to complete a written element within each art course, therefore a Grade C in GCSE English is advantageous.
All students must have their own 35mm SLR camera with functioning light meter.

More advice on this is available at Introductory Day in July