A Level Photography is a creative and practical course that allows you to develop your artistic vision while exploring a wide range of photographic techniques and processes. You will experiment with digital and traditional photography, investigate the work of influential photographers and create a personal portfolio that reflects your own interests and ideas. The course encourages creativity, technical skill and independent thinking, making it an excellent choice for students interested in photography, media, design, marketing, the creative industries or a wide range of arts-based degrees and careers.
Course Content
The course consists of a six-week foundation course, followed by three further modules, and concludes with an exam module in Year 13 .
Taught from a fine art perspective, requiring students to maintain a sketchbook and record observations .
Students are expected to complete Photoshoots outside of lessons each week, to bring back to lesson to analyse, edit and develop their work from.
Lessons cover technical knowledge, camera handling, photo shoots, and digital image manipulation using Photoshop .
Students explore photographic processes, including developing photogram prints in a darkroom and Cyanotypes using sunlight.
Involves analysing and critiquing of one's own work and the work of others, along with studying art and photography theory.
Assessment
This course does not feature a traditional written exam paper. Instead it is assessed through two practical coursework units: a Personal Investigation (60%) and an Externally Set Assignment (40%)
Component 1 (Coursework): 60% of final mark. Includes a personal investigation, a portfolio of practical work, and a related written personal study.
Component 2 (Externally Set Assisgnment): 40% of total mark. Students respond to a set brief from the exam board, culminating in a 15-hour timed response under exam conditions.
Entry Requirements
Minimum of Grade 4 in GCSE Art and Design or portfolio approved by Head of Art.
Extra Curricular Opportunities
Students have the opportunity to exhibit and present their work at summer exhibitions .
Students have the opportunity to attend Photography and Art exhibitions
Students have the opportunity to use Industry standard equipment.
Students have access to the art department during lunchtimes and after school for individual projects.
Progression Post 18
The course serves as a pathway to various practical and theoretical creative subjects at the university level including Photography Degrees.
Most students progress to an Art Foundation course to specialise their career and build a professional portfolio for a degree course .
There are over 5,000 practical creative degree courses available which this would suitably lead to.