Photography

Level 3 Pathway - In order to enrol onto our Level 3 courses, students must have achieved a minimum of 5 grade 4s at GCSE Level across 4 different subject areas; this should ideally include a Grade 4 for English Language and Mathematics.

It is important that students also pay attention to any individual subject entry requirements.

It may be that a small number of students are recommended to sit AS qualifications at the end of Year 12 in order to inform decisions about progression into Year 13, however these AS examinations are standalone and do not contribute to the overall A Level qualification.

This course is suitable for anyone who enjoys the creative process using lens-based media.

Students will explore a range of photographic techniques using both traditional and new technologies. Integral to the investigating and making process, you will explore images, artefacts and resources relating to Photography and a wider range of art and design. You will respond through practical and critical activities which demonstrate your understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.

Duration: 2 years.

Unit 1: Personal Investigation

Unit 2: Externally set assignment

In the first term you will learn the photographic skills and techniques you need in order to successfully complete the course. These skills include the technical use of cameras so you can operate them successfully in manual mode as well as developing the ability to create work based on ideas, concepts and themes. You will need to be able to demonstrate your ability to research, develop ideas and link work to related critical/contextual materials.

By term three of the course you will start the first unit of the A level which is the Personal investigation. This is your chance to develop a big portfolio of work based on a concept or theme or your choice. This unit also requires a written element of between 2,000-3,000 words.

In February of the second year you will have completed Unit 1 and be ready to start Unit 2 which is an exam unit or an ‘Externally Set Assignment’. Students are given an exam paper with a choice of questions on set themes and have to develop a project in response to one of them. There is a 15-hour exam in April of the second year when a final piece of work has to be completed.

Unit 1: Personal Investigation (60%)

Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%)

Extended learning

To support their work in the classroom students will be required to take a substantial number of photographs every month, to experiment with creative processes and reflect upon visual imagery. They will also need to attend exhibition visits throughout the two years.

Grade 4 or above GCSE Art and Design or Photography is desirable. Applicants not meeting this criteria may be accepted after interview.