Photography AS

Why study Photography?

Studying Photography at Aylesbury High will enable you to develop your individual practice and allow you to express your own artistic voice as you build technical, creative and analytical skills. The course allows creative exploration of photography as a contemporary art practice. It encourages experimentation and risk-taking through a programme of practical workshops and tutorials. You will explore and evolve your individual photographic practice, specialising in your chosen theme.

During the course, students will develop technical skills essential to their practice. This will include analogue and digital photography methods, lighting, darkroom and post capture editing of work. Alongside this, you will develop critical and theoretical understanding of the subject and this will allow you further insights into photography, which will enrich your study and your practical application.

Your lead teacher is a practicing freelance photographer and artist with over 25 years' experience in commercial and fine art photography and with this, students will gain an insight into the expansive and professional world.

Entry requirements

An interest in photography and a desire to develop both skills and produce creative ideas. GCSE Art or Textiles has been most beneficial to aid your creative journey.

Special features of the course

Specialist equipment and facilities are available during and out of class hours and students will also benefit from the opportunity to shoot on location and practise the genre of street photography under tuition.

Costs

There will be ongoing costs of materials throughout the course which students will be expected to pay for or supply themselves. While this is the expected, help will be given to students who require it.

Students will be required to have their own or have access to a 35mm film SLR camera and a digital SLR camera (under current circumstances to minimise potential spread of viruses). Equipment is available for students on a short-term loan basis.

Where can I find out more?

See Mr Cook or Mrs Hartwell. Mr Cook can be emailed on jcook@ahs.bucks.sch.uk.

Have a look at the A Level Photography section of the school website for examples of work by current students.

How is the course organised?

AS Personal Creative Enquiry

• an extended, exploratory project/portfolio and outcomes based on themes which are personal and meaningful to the learner;

• an integrated approach where critical, practical and theoretical work are combined to produce a cohesive response;

• the Personal Creative Enquiry will be internally determined, teacher assessed and externally moderated.

Assessment

Personal Creative Enquiry (100% of qualification)

• Internally determined, internally assessed, externally moderated

Time commitment

4 taught hours per week in addition to private study time.