Photography A level

What you need to know
How will I study?

The course starts with lots of 'how to' ... how to understand and use your camera functions and settings, how to analyse an image, how to write-up your sketchbook, how to compose an image, how to develop a film, how to make an enlargement and so on. As the course develops you will work on specific project themes. In these projects you will be encouraged to develop your own creative skills, producing outcomes which are both original and personal to you. During the latter part of the course you will spend 10 weeks working on a theme set by the exam board (Edexcel) to produce an artistic personal response to the theme. You will record all your work: research, thoughts, ideas, plans, contact sheets, enlargements and evaluations in an A4 size art sketchbook.
How will I be taught?

The course is taught through a mixture of lectures, practical work and personal research & experimentation. Each week you will have a lesson in the Image Centre where most of the practical skills are taught and a lesson in a computer suite where theory and digital topics are taught. Handouts are often given and lesson resources uploaded onto the college moodle site. You are required to carry out research and practical assignments in your own time (minimum of 5 hours per week)
How will I be assessed?

This is a 2 year linear A-level where you are examined on the whole syllabus at the end of the second year.This includes a personal investigation, practical work and an essay. You will be assessed at the end of year one to see if you can progress to year two.