Art/Photography A level

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Photography is primarily a creative Fine Art course in which the photographer is an ‘artist’. Students will learn creative attitudes and concepts and also technical photographic skills. The department has specialist studio equipment and a dedicated computer suite. Many students gain places on nationally recognised photography courses.

Component 1: Coursework - year 1

Students are taught to analyse and critically evaluate photographic images, demonstrating an understanding of purposes, meanings and contexts. They will use photography to develop ideas through sustained investigations and exploration, selecting and using materials, processes and resources. They should demonstrate an understanding of continuity and change in photography in different genres, styles and traditions. The course is delivered through a balance of directed learning activities and supported independent research.

Personal Investigation

From February until June of the first year students develop a personal project that enables them to work in an individual direction. Visits to national galleries are organised to assist in their response to artists and photographers’ work. Students produce final outcomes for this project in May and June.

Component 1: Coursework - Year 2

Personal Study and mock exam - At the start of the second year students are helped to develop ideas for their Personal Study. This usually takes the form of a written and illustrated essay in which students show the depth of understanding that they have about the ideas that inform and inspire their work, through investigating artists and photographers. The Personal Study element is worth approximately 18% of coursework marks.

Students complete a mock exam project in which they develop individual ideas and experiments, culminating in an ambitious final outcome made over three days at the start of January of the second year.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

A theme is given by the exam board as a starting point for the students’ own ideas. Students begin work on this in February and generate annotated photographic sketchbooks, either digitally or in hard copy, before producing a final practical outcome over three days in May.

A GCSE in Art (grade 6 minimum) or a photographic portfolio. Their own digital camera, preferably an SLR.

Students who have studied Photography, Film and Animation are found in a range of creative careers such as architectural photography, events photography, photography studios, newspapers, magazines, advertising and website design agencies.