PHOTOGRAPHY
A LEVEL
Course Overview
The Art Department offers Advanced Level Photography.
The course consists of one coursework unit and an externally set examination. At the start of the course students are introduced to the materials, techniques and processes of photography, both traditional and digital. The course is teacher-directed initially, but students take on an increased responsibility for the direction and progress of their work as the course develops.
There is written element to the course, in which students are required to research and analyse photographic and other visual work in more depth, and produce a written essay of 3000 words.
For the externally set exam unit students select one question and develop a practical creative response, which is self-directed.
welcome Video
Target Audience
Students who are well-motivated and capable of independent thought. It is beneficial, though not essential, for students to be studying other visual, creative and expressive subjects.
Year 12 Units
Environment Parts 1+2
During the first term students will be introduced to a foundation level of photography, including DSLR mode dial and settings, basic use of Adobe Photoshop, how to use the work journal to present work, how to analyse the work of Photographers and the process of dark room Photography. During term two student will begin Environment Part 1, where their journey becomes more personal, in depth and independent. Environment Part 2 continues until into the New Year, embedding skills continuously.
Self Directed unit
Students are given a series of stimuli to inspire them and act as an impetus. They will then explore the theme, experiment with materials, record observations and realise intentions. They will work in a visually exciting and creative way in their work journal or in digital format, and produce final edits too.
Year 13 Units
Personal Study
The personal study has two components: first the students will select an aspect of Photography and produce an essay (between 1000 and 3000 words). Once completed they will focus on the practical component where they will explore the theme, experiment with materials, record observations and realise intentions. They will work in a visually exciting and creative way either in their book or in digital format, and produce final edits too.
Exam component
The examination paper is handed out in January and a 15 hour examination will be carried out in May.
sample lesson
Student testimonial
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Higher Education Progression Routes
Art Foundation diploma Course
The art and design foundation diploma is an introductory bridging course. It helps you make the transition from secondary education (such as A Levels and Highers) to specialist art and design education. It can also be used as preparation for employment. The diploma is a one-year course.
Ba hons photography degree
A 3 year photography degree course will teach you the practical, analytical and theoretical skills needed to become an accomplished independent photographer.
ba hons photgraphy degree with sandwich placement
A professional placement (sandwich year) provides an opportunity for professional development in the work place and as such, greatly enhances the student’s prospects of finding rewarding and relevant employment at the end of their studies. This is a 4 year course.
Future Careers
Advertising art director
As an advertising art director, or 'creative', you'll produce innovative ideas for the visual elements of advertising campaigns in all kinds of media, including:
cinema and television
internet (digital/viral marketing)
posters
press
radio.
photographer
Photographers create visual images for an exceptional range of creative, technical and documentary purposes.
As a professional photographer, you'll usually work to a brief set by the client or employer.
Examples of content you could work on include wedding, family and baby, fashion, food, architecture and landscape photography.
A large proportion of professional photographers are self-employed. You could also find work with a variety of employers, including creative businesses, publishers and photographic agencies, or in the education and public sectors.
web designer
As a web designer, you'll plan, create and code web pages, using both technical and non-technical skills to produce websites that fit your customers' requirements.
Being involved in the technical and graphical aspects of pages, you'll determine not only the look of the website but how it works as well. You may also be responsible for the maintenance of an existing site.
Student Destinations
Joe studied Photography and Art A level then went on to study Computer Animation and Visualisation at Bournemouth university where he achieved a First Hons degree. Joe's last job was very creative with him earning 2 credits for "Malificent 2" and "Cars". He was designing tools for artists to use in VFX.