AS and A Level Art and Design (Photography)

AS and A Level Art and Design (Photography)
The course looks at both the practical and aesthetic aspects of this popular subject. Observe and appreciate the works and styles of other photographers and develop your own approach through conventional and digital technology.

What does the course consist of?
In Year 1 you will study units 1 and 2 for an AS Level. In Year 2 you will take units 3 and 4 to complete the full Advanced Level.
Unit 1: Practical Coursework

You will develop your understanding of the expressive possibilities of the formal elements of Photography in colour, line, pattern, shape, texture, tone etc. You must maintain a work journal (book or file) showing evidence of your research, analysis, exploration of media, idea development, outcomes, and visual and/or written evaluation. You will be concerned with the relationship between ideas and art and design practice in photography. Ideas provide the starting point for much art and design practice, and they form an integral part of the creative process. As a photograph is produced ideas and outcomes are modified. You must develop a personal response to a given starting point, working sequentially through a series of ideas and outcomes, towards a well-considered conclusion or conclusions. Broad thematic starting point as assignments will provide opportunities for translating your own ideas through learning about photographic processes. You must maintain a work journal (book or file) to show evidence of your research, analysis, exploration of media, idea development, outcomes, and visual and/or written evaluation.
You will be assessed by coursework

Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment

The externally set assignment will consist of a title/theme from which you will make a choice. The work produced during the examination must be unaided and demonstrate clearly what you have learnt during the course.
You will be assessed by preparatory work and an externally set timed exam

Unit 3: Practical work linked to a Personal Study

You will be required to research, evaluate and analyse your own work in relation to that of other artists and photographers. It will involve visiting exhibitions and galleries and extensive research of theories of Art and Design as they relate to photography. You will identify creative practical work, undertake investigative research and develop a range of possible practical solutions that illustrate the development of your own visual language in Photography, showing sensitive use of materials and processes. Your work will include a personal written illustrated study of 1000-3000 words which is relevantly linked to your practical work.
You will be assessed by coursework

Unit 4: Externally set assignment

This is the culmination of the course. You will be given a theme to investigate during a preparatory period in advance of a controlled test of 12 hours. This will give you the opportunity to show to what extent you now understand the formal elements of the processes and practices that you have used.
You will be assessed by preparatory work and an externally set timed exam

What else do I need to know? NCFE Practical Craft in Photography may act as an alternative course for AS Photography in Year 1.
You will follow a structured course which will combine the practical elements of taking and producing photographs alongside developing ideas and themes which will be documented in a workbook that will form part of your final AS/A Level submission. Work will take place inside as well as outside of college and in the studios and study areas.
Photography combines well with any subjects. AS Photography would be a useful subject for those thinking of continuing with a career in Art & Design and would be a broadening experience for students of Science or Humanities.
You will need to supplement the basic materials offered by the college with an investment of your own such as a digital camera, a memory stick and a box of photographic inkset paper. You will be encouraged to produce and maintain a portfolio of your own work.