A level Photography

Photography

Why should I study Photography?
Photography has been designed to develop your visual communication through conceptual and practical skills in both darkroom techniques and digital technologies. The course gives you the opportunity to develop intellectual, imaginative and creative thinking while understanding the processes and use of the camera in the past and in contemporary society.

What will I study?
AS Units
Unit 1:
Coursework

The first half of this unit introduces you to both traditional darkroom and digital photography. You will be shown a range of techniques that will build a foundation for the year's work. The second half of this unit allows you to develop your creative skills as you produce a piece of work based around a set topic.

You will document this work in a journal and you will then produce a series of final images. This represents 60% of the final AS Level marks.

Unit 2:
Controlled Assignments

A project is set by the exam board. You will be given six weeks of preparation time followed by eight hours of controlled time to produce a journal and a series of photographs. This represents 40% of the final AS Level marks.

A2 Units
Unit 3:
Personal Project

You will choose your own project work under the guidance from a member of staff. This will explore a specific area of photography which you will document in a journal. You will then produce a series of images and an essay of between 1000 and 3000 words as a conclusion to this unit of work. This represents 30% of the final A Level mark

Unit 4:
Controlled Assignments

A project will be set by the exam board. You will then be given six weeks of preparation time followed by 12 hours of controlled time to produce a journal and a series of photographs. This represents 20% of the final A Level mark.

What skills do I need?

• You should possess a genuine interest in Photography.
• An ability to work practically and creatively.
• Organisation, and time management
• Creativity skills are essential to success on this course.

How will I be taught?
Photography is a combination of technical learning through lectures; demonstrations; independent and tutor led research, which is then applied through practical sessions.

In AS there will be an introduction to basic darkroom and digital skills, structured projects based on given themes to which you can then apply your technical and creative abilities. In A2 theoretical and practical investigations will be further developed with the emphasis on you directing your own interests and projects with tutor guidance.

How is the course assessed?
Photography is a coursework subject and will be continually assessed. It will be marked across 4 assessment objects. The coursework units are internally marked and externally moderated. Units 2 and 4 are set by the examination board these are internally marked and externally moderated.

What will this course prepare me for?
Photographic and visual communication is essential in many careers including the Creative Arts and Computer Technologies.

You may go on to study Photography on a higher education course or combine it with other creative subjects such as Art, Design, Graphics, Textiles and Lens-based Media.

Private Study
As an approximate guideline AS subjects require 3-4 hrs of independent study each; A2 subjects 4-5 hrs each and GCSE subjects 2 hrs each.

What materials will I need to purchase?
Three sketch pads will be required for the first year these can be purchased from the College shop.