A-LEVEL PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOGRAPHY A-LEVEL
Exam Board: AQA A-Level Art and Design - Photography
What are the benefits of the course?
Photography is about looking, learning, thinking and exploring ideas and using the camera to capture the world as you see it. Our course offers students the freedom to explore a wide range of ideas through the development of camera skills, photographic techniques, media and processes. The Photography A Level prepares students for producing and working with images, both digitally and physically and is a great way to develop general design skills. Students will develop their ability to appreciate the world around them, responding in a visual, personal and creative manner. Learners will develop their knowledge of digital and analogue methods of photography, learning how to be successful in a studio or location environment, and working in a traditional photography darkroom.
What will I study?
Students will explore, investigate and respond to a range of technical, creative, contemporary and traditional photographic styles, genres and traditions. In Year 12, students will initially study ‘the exposure triangle’, enabling a true understanding of how a camera can be used effectively, with practical shoots using Shutter Speed and Aperture controls. A series of short projects, exploring the formal elements of Line, Form, Colour, Pattern and Texture introduces students to a range of photographers, the use of the darkroom and digital experimentation. Year 12 finishes with a final, independent project, responding to the theme of ‘Transformation’. This places students in the ideal position to begin their Personal Investigation project over the summer, which is a sustained project that continues through to the January of Year 13. The course ends with a final project, responding to the themes set in the Externally Set Assignment (ESA).
How will I be assessed?
Students are assessed against 4 Assessment Objectives which are used to mark the 2 projects in a holistic manner. Students will be assessed on 2 components:
Component 1: the Personal Investigation project (60% of the A Level grade) based on a theme chosen by the student, accompanied with a written assignment of between 1000 - 3000 words;
Component 2: the Externally Set Assignment (40% of the A Level grade); this is finished in a 15 hour supervised period.
What does it lead to?
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. Skills that are developed are relevant to both a career in the art, design and photography industries, or any industry that requires critical thinking and creative problem solving.
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 5 or above in GCSE Photography.
Alternatively grade 5 or above in GCSE English with strong IT skills and a portfolio of photographs.
[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 Creative Arts