Art & Design - Photography

Entry Requirements 

Grade 6 in either GCSE Photography, GCSE Fine Art/Art & Design, GCSE Textile Design, Merit in BTEC Art (Level 2) or approval of portfolio.

About This Course

Pearson Edexcel, 2-year, Level 3, A Level course. Photography is about looking, analysing, making and communicating. You will explore the work of an extensive range of photographers and artists and have the opportunity to access media such as digital SLR photography, studio photography, analogue and dark room techniques, screen printing and digital editing in Photoshop to create a broad and extensive portfolio. You are encouraged to express your own artistic identity and will explore independently identified themes. As far as possible the course will be tailored to support your own interests.  

Why Study Photography at the Sixth Form?

• Small classes:  One-to-one tutorials, personalised demonstrations, small-group critiques and discussions and live feedback.

• High achieving department with extensive experience of delivering the A Level qualification.

• Excellent Facilities:  Sixth Form Artist Area for all Art, Textiles and Photography Students to use during study periods. 4 Spacious Classrooms, Mac Suite, DSLR Nikon cameras and professional lighting, Studio space, Dark Room, Etching Press, Screen Printing Exposure Unit and Sewing Machines.

• Visit to exhibition and graduate show.

• Course completion exhibition to celebrate students work with friends, family and staff.

Course Content & Assessment

• Portfolio (Sept- Jan): Producing a range of trials using varied techniques, developing the skill level required to successfully complete the course.

• Component 1, 60% of grade, 90 marks (Feb-Jan): Personal Investigation: A practical project presented in a sketchbook that consists of research, analysis, planning, practical trials and a final outcome, developed from a starting point of your choice. (72 marks)

Essay: Written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum 1000 words. (18 marks)

• Component 2, 40% of grade, 72 marks (Jan-May): Externally Set Assignment. The exam board provides a theme that you then explore and develop, culminating in a final outcome that is produced in a 15-hour period of sustained focus.

Assessment Objective 1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

Assessment Objective 2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.

Assessment Objective 3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.

Assessment Objective 4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

What could this course lead to?

A Level Photography can lead to higher qualifications, such as the Foundation Diploma and Degree. It can also lead to a variety of creative careers including Photographer for Film, Television and Visual Culture, Animation, Graphic Design, Marketing and Journalism.