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Qualification
Qualification
A Level
A Level
Exam Board
Exam Board
AQA
AQA
Why should I study Photography?
Why should I study Photography?
Photography is a medium that we can all use, but what turns a snapshot into a great picture? You will study the techniques, practice and theory of Photography. This will include the use of SLR cameras and the developing and printing of photographs. You will also study the use of digital cameras and digital imagery.
Photography is a medium that we can all use, but what turns a snapshot into a great picture? You will study the techniques, practice and theory of Photography. This will include the use of SLR cameras and the developing and printing of photographs. You will also study the use of digital cameras and digital imagery.
The skills you will develop will be varied. Among them you will develop a working knowledge of materials, practices and technology within Photography. You will develop the skills to interpret and convey your ideas and feelings. You will develop your imaginative and creative powers and your experimental, analytical and documenting skills. You will also develop a specialist vocabulary and the knowledge and understanding of photography in history and in contemporary society.
The skills you will develop will be varied. Among them you will develop a working knowledge of materials, practices and technology within Photography. You will develop the skills to interpret and convey your ideas and feelings. You will develop your imaginative and creative powers and your experimental, analytical and documenting skills. You will also develop a specialist vocabulary and the knowledge and understanding of photography in history and in contemporary society.
What students say
What students say
"Photography is not just about taking photos it’s about seeing a photo for more than it is. People look at photos and see a photo but photographers see emotion a story behind that photo that’s what photography is about what the story is behind the photo that’s what you learn in photography. Photography isn’t just another lesson it’s a life, you view life differently see a photo through your eyes, the angles, the light it changes your perspective". Melissa Day (6th Form Alumni)
"Photography has been a great way for me to explore lots of techniques and ideas. I love playing around with digital and manual manipulation".
"I have really fine tuned my skills in photography and found an area of expertise that I love. I have learnt to take interesting and creative images using a range of photographic techniques and by looking at a range of photographers".
Enrichment
Enrichment
Collaborative projects with University of Suffolk Fine Art course.
Collaborative projects with University of Suffolk Fine Art course.
Trips to Art and Cultural exhibitions.
Trips to Art and Cultural exhibitions.
Guest speakers and workshops.
Guest speakers and workshops.
Student exhibitions.
What does the course involve and how will I be assessed?
What does the course involve and how will I be assessed?
You will learn how to use our well-equipped darkroom to process your own films and to produce high quality prints. Practical work emphasises the broadening of your experience of the camera through studio, portrait, landscape, abstract and experimental work. However A-~Level Photography is not an easy option and you should be prepared to work hard at developing your abilities. Projects include work in areas such as: using natural and artificial lighting; creating mood; architecture and interiors; use of pattern, texture and background; capturing action and movement etc. The theoretical side of the subject looks into the physics of light, lenses and how cameras work. It also deals with the chemistry of monochrome and colour film, photographic papers and developing, and dark room design and safety. In each case we take you through the theory and then set practical exercises to develop an understanding of the possibilities of the subject.
You will learn how to use our well-equipped darkroom to process your own films and to produce high quality prints. Practical work emphasises the broadening of your experience of the camera through studio, portrait, landscape, abstract and experimental work. However A-~Level Photography is not an easy option and you should be prepared to work hard at developing your abilities. Projects include work in areas such as: using natural and artificial lighting; creating mood; architecture and interiors; use of pattern, texture and background; capturing action and movement etc. The theoretical side of the subject looks into the physics of light, lenses and how cameras work. It also deals with the chemistry of monochrome and colour film, photographic papers and developing, and dark room design and safety. In each case we take you through the theory and then set practical exercises to develop an understanding of the possibilities of the subject.
COSTS - Although the Art department will provide essential chemicals for you to work with, it is important to stress that Photography can be an expensive subject and will involve some personal expense.
COSTS - Although the Art department will provide essential chemicals for you to work with, it is important to stress that Photography can be an expensive subject and will involve some personal expense.
Component 1 Personal Investigation
Component 1 Personal Investigation
60% of the total qualification
60% of the total qualification
Incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work, and a personal study. Supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from personal starting points.
Incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work, and a personal study. Supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from personal starting points.
The personal study will be evidenced through critical written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum 1000 words of continuous prose, which may contain integrated images. Work must cover all four Assessment Objectives.
The personal study will be evidenced through critical written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum 1000 words of continuous prose, which may contain integrated images. Work must cover all four Assessment Objectives.
Component 2 Externally Set Assignment
Component 2 Externally Set Assignment
40% of the total qualification
40% of the total qualification
Incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and the 15 hour period of sustained focus. Preparatory studies will comprise of a portfolio of practical and written development work based on the Externally Set Assignment. During the 15 hour period of sustained focus, students will produce final outcome(s) extending from their preparatory studies in response to the Externally Set Assignment, under examination conditions. The Externally Set Assignment is released on 1 February and contains a theme and suggested starting points.
Incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and the 15 hour period of sustained focus. Preparatory studies will comprise of a portfolio of practical and written development work based on the Externally Set Assignment. During the 15 hour period of sustained focus, students will produce final outcome(s) extending from their preparatory studies in response to the Externally Set Assignment, under examination conditions. The Externally Set Assignment is released on 1 February and contains a theme and suggested starting points.
Students have from 1 February until the commencement of the final 15 hour period of sustained focus to develop preparatory studies. Work must cover all four Assessment Objectives.
Students have from 1 February until the commencement of the final 15 hour period of sustained focus to develop preparatory studies. Work must cover all four Assessment Objectives.
How is the course assessed?
How is the course assessed?
Component 1 Personal Investigation 60% of the total qualification - Internally set, assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.
Component 1 Personal Investigation 60% of the total qualification - Internally set, assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.
Component 2 Externally Set Assignment 40% of the total qualification - Externally set, assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.
Component 2 Externally Set Assignment 40% of the total qualification - Externally set, assessed by the teacher and externally moderated.
Opportunities for progression
Opportunities for progression
You may wish to take a foundation course at college before specialising at university. There are many careers open to a photographer including fashion, advertising, sports, journalism, weddings and studio photography.
You may wish to take a foundation course at college before specialising at university. There are many careers open to a photographer including fashion, advertising, sports, journalism, weddings and studio photography.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have more freedom to choose what I do?
A: Yes - A Level Photography is more independent and driven by the interests of the students.
Q: Is the essay component difficult and do I have support with this?
A: Yes, we have designed a scheme of learning to support you with developing your essay.
Q: What kind of techniques will I get to explore?
A: We try to shape this to the interests of the students. To name a few, chemigrams, cyanotypes, photograpms and a range of digital processes.
Q: What does the exam look like?
A: The exam is 15 hours and during this time you will produce an outcome, that is the product of the exam project. You will develop your ideas over several weeks.
Staff Link:
Staff Link:
Mrs H Green
Mrs H Green
hgreen@fxs.org.uk
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