BTEC Photography

BTEC PEARSON LEVEL 3 FOUNDATION DIPLOMA in (A&D) PHOTOGRAPHY

Exam Board: Edexcel.

What are the benefits of the course?

The qualification is designed to give learners a technical and creative understanding of Photography. Learners develop knowledge of studio and location photography and digital and traditional methods of photography through vocational projects.

The qualification is for post 16 learners intending to gain employment in this sector, possibly after further study in Higher Education and will be studied over two years alongside additional qualifications. The Foundation Diploma is equivalent to 1.5 A-Levels and qualifies for UCAS points in the same manner as an A-Level programme.

The Foundation Diploma provides opportunities for students to develop employability skills, with real-life client briefs and input from people and businesses working in the photographic sector. Students will learn transferable knowledge and skills that will prepare them for either progression to university or other higher study, as well as preparing them for Apprenticeships or a career in this industry.

Skills developed include:

• cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology, research actively and methodically;

• intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation;

• interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development, independent learning, analytical skills, creative development.

What will I study?

The content of the qualification relates directly to the skills and understanding needed for employment and further study in photography. The qualification is designed to enable students to refine their knowledge of the photographic and design sector and increase their levels of independence and employability. Learners study a unit in Graphic Design, which complements their photographic study and gives breadth and commercial context to their practice.

There are 6 units studied over the 2 years: 4 are internally assessed and 2 are externally set and assessed by Edexcel.

Unit Foundation Diploma

Unit 1: Visual Recording and Communication External Assessment

Unit 2: Critical and Contextual Studies in Art and Design External Assessment

Unit 3: The Creative Process Internal Assessment

Unit 4: Materials, Techniques and Processes in Art and Design Internal Assessment

Unit 9: Photographic Materials, Techniques and Processes Internal Assessment

Unit 10: Graphics Materials, Techniques and Processes Internal Assessment

How will I be assessed?

There are 2 units that are assessed externally: a theme/brief will be set and students will have a period of time to prepare their response, culminating in a supervised time period where work will be submitted online.

The other 4 units are assessed internally, according to specific grading criteria set by Edexcel and subject to moderation from an external BTEC moderator. For each unit, students will be issued an assignment and a period of time to complete their response; all internal assignments benefit from a resubmission opportunity.

What does it lead to?

This qualification supports progression to employment and Higher Apprenticeships in the creative sector and into job roles such as:

● trainee/assistant photographer,

● trainee/assistant staff photographer,

● trainee investigative/crime scene photographer,

● junior minilab printer,

● junior digital imaging technician,

● picture library worker.

A significant proportion of recruitment in the creative sector is at graduate level and learners may wish to progress to further learning which will support entry to a further range of careers in the sector. The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by Higher Education providers as meeting admission requirements to relevant Foundation Degree and BTEC Higher National courses.

Entry Requirements:

Grade 4 or above in GCSE Photography.

Alternatively grade 5 or above in GCSE English with strong IT skills and a portfolio of photographs (although having an Art or Photography GCSE could be beneficial so that you have an understanding of the creative process, it is not in any way essential).

You will need a DSLR or Bridge camera.

(Financial support may be provided for students who are from low income backgrounds via the Sixth Form Bursary Fund). Advice on how to choose a camera for purchase will be given at the start of the course.

Staff Contact:

Miss T Wilhelmy, Head of Art, DT and Photography

twilhelmy@brakenhale.co.uk