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Level 3
A Level Photography
COURSE OVERVIEW
The A level course offers students the opportunity to learn about the history of photography, its techniques and processes and how to apply an understanding of visual language and the formal elements. We want students to experience the magic of the darkroom as well as the wonders of digital processing when they are “drawing with light”. This will support our students in learning how to develop a sophisticated body of work in the 2nd year. Over the course of the two years, areas explored include:
• Film-based photography • Digital photography / dark room • Moving image (Film, video, animation) • Multimedia • Studio Photography • Experimental imagery • Photographic installation • Students will be required to work in one or more of the disciplines to communicate their ideas. Drawing and other materials processes • The word photography could be taken to mean ‘a graphic representation with light’;. In this way a photograph can take on the qualities of a drawing. In the context of this endorsed title, drawing forms an essential element of both development and final product. • A camera can record the observed world but is not able on its own to explore ideas. • Students must reflect on, refine and apply the observations they make with a camera, and determine which tools or techniques are most appropriate in their exploration of ideas. • Photography includes works in film, video, digital imaging and light- sensitive materials.
FURTHER INFORMATION
You need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4, including English Language and a grade 4 in an Art based subject.
hotography is a great companion to all other subjects as creativity, imagination and problem solving skills can give you great ideas for your other subjects. Many students go on to an Art Foundation course. This is a general diagnostic year that allows students to try all Art and Design specialisms before going on to an higher education course. Some universities will accept students onto a Photography degree with A Levels and a portfolio. Possible degree options • Animation • Commercial photography • Creative and editorial photography • Digital media • Fashion photography • Film and television • Film and visual culture • Forensic photography • Graphics with photography • Medical photography • Visual communication
Possible career options Studying a photography related degree at university will give you all sorts of exciting career opportunities including: • Commercial photographer • Fashion photographer • Filmmaker • Fine art photographer • Forensic photographer • Industrial photographer • Medical photographer • Nature photographer • Photographic illustrator • Photographic technician • Teacher • Photojournalist • Picture editor • Researcher • Social photographer • Sports photographer
There are two parts to the A Level. Component 1 – Personal Investigation This component incorporates three major elements: • Supporting studies • Practical work • Personal study of a minimum 1000 words of continuous prose. Component 2 Externally Set Assignment The exam board set theme is distributed in February, you will have 8 weeks to investigate, develop and plan your response to a choice of themes. You then have 15 hours to produce a personal outcomes. Your work will be assessed by your teacher throughout the year with written and verbal feedback given. At the end of the course both components are internally marked and externally moderated. All work is assessed with reference to the four exam board set criteria. • Develop ideas • Explore media • Research, record, analyse, review • Present outcomes. You may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of your first year as a measure of your progress.
TBC
You will need to develop good practical skills in taking and printing photographs, and be able to make informed visual judgements. You will need to develop the ability to be enquiring and analytical when looking at the work of other photographers and make connections to your own work. The course will introduce you to photographic techniques assuming that you have no previous experience or knowledge. This will allow you to start photography as a new subject, or build on an existing interest.