Photography

The Programme:

Like GCSE Art, this course requires students to work in sketchbooks researching and developing ideas towards a final outcome. All units of work will include looking at the work of other photographers, artists and designers.

This is supported by photography field trips and visits to galleries. Teaching is directed at the needs, strengths and interests of the individual student. All units of work are tailored to allow the individual to explore original and creative solutions in any or several of the following area(s) of Photography, such as: portraiture, documentary, photo-journalism, environmental photography, still life or experimental imagery.

Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences exploring a range of photographic techniques including digital as well as traditional black and white (silver halide) chemical technique.

Students will develop skills in the following:

• The ability to explore elements of visual language, line, form, colour, pattern and texture in the context of Photography.
• Responding to an issue, theme, concept or idea or working to a brief.
• An appreciation of viewpoint, composition, depth of field and movement; time- based, through such techniques as sequence or frozen moment.
• The appropriate use of the camera, film, lenses, filters and lighting for work in their chosen area of Photography.
• An understanding of techniques related to the developing and printing of photographic images, presentation, layout and mounting.

The exam board we use is AQA and the A Level will be assessed on students personal investigation unit worth 60%, including a 3,000 word essay and an externally set unit worth 40%, including a 15 hour practical exam. This is internally marked and externally moderated. For students opting to only complete AS, the coursework portfolio (60%) and externally set unit (40%) is internally marked and externally moderated.