A-Level Photography
A Level Photography
In A level Photography you will have the opportunity to engage with the work of photographers and artists from a wide range of backgrounds, genres and styles, developing your own opinions and working to create your identity as a photographer. Photographers notice the environment around them, and use photographic tools to capture and record the way the world looks when you photograph it. A level photography will help you to learn to look with new eyes and will, consequently, enhance your life
You will build upon your photographic skills both in the use of a camera and Photoshop, as well as a wide variety of other manipulation techniques. Your time will be spent building a thorough and highly personal portfolio, developing investigations from your own, individually-selected starting point. You will be given the freedom to be creative and develop your own ideas, whilst being fully supported and advised by staff. The projects allow you to explore a wide range of interests, develop and use skills that play to your own individual strengths and build confidence through the practice of technical processes.
The A Level Photography course closely follows the format of the Photography GCSE as well as the Fine Art GCSE, and is therefore a relatively familiar option for those students who have studied either of these.
Aims of the Course
On this course you will develop:
• The ability to explore elements of visual language, line, form, colour, pattern and texture in the context of photography.
• Awareness of intended audience or purpose for your chosen area(s) of photography.
• The ability to respond to an issue, theme, concept or idea, or work to a brief or answer a need in photography.
• Appreciation of viewpoint, composition, aperture, depth of field, shutter speed and movement.
• Appropriate use of the camera, film, lenses, filters and lighting for work in your chosen area(s) of photography.
• Understanding of the techniques related to the production of photographic images and, where appropriate, presentation and layout.
Why Choose Photography at St Bede’s?
• Our Photography course is not merely about training in how to complete practical, technical processes. At St. Bede’s we are invested in helping our students to become inspired, passionate and engaged photographers.
• We have a dedicated Photography IT suite, fully equipped shoot spaces and a traditional dark room, allowing for exploration and experimentation with a wide range of techniques and processes.
• We go on multiple gallery visits to a wide variety of different locations throughout the two years.
• Our Photography facilities are available to Sixth Form students at almost any time during the school day and you are welcome to spend as much time as possible in the department.
• Our specialist Photography teacher is highly enthusiastic, with years of experience in the photography industry.
• We provide exceptional one to one support and guidance from dedicated and experienced staff in small classes.
• As well as traditional photographic techniques, we encourage experimental and creative presentation of photography, including moving image, installation and mixed-media.
Assessment Information
Exam Board and Specification: AQA, Art & Design – Photography (7206)
Component 1: Personal Investigation (Coursework)
Students build a body of work on a theme of their own choice, selected through discussion with their teacher. The project will include a range of experiments, developing a variety of skills, techniques and processes, as well as refining their understanding of photographic techniques and processes. Students take inspiration from the work of many different, independently selected photographers, whose work can influence style, subject matter, narrative, composition and feeling. This body of work leads to the production of refined, personal outcomes. Throughout the project, students are fully supported by teaching staff, providing them with a sound understanding of the structure and journey of a successful study. Alongside their practical work, students are also required to complete a supporting essay of 1000-3000 words.
Worth 60% of the A level.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (Examination)
The Externally Set Task begins in February of the Upper Sixth year. This Component offers the choice of one of eight different topics, set by the exam board, presented in the exam paper. All questions offer broadly-based, thematic starting points which allow students the opportunity to interpret them in their own way. Students again produce a range of experimentation and development of ideas, influenced by the work of appropriate photographers. Though students must make their own decisions on how to develop their exam projects, they will still be fully supported by teaching staff, in order to help them to develop cohesive and successful projects. Through the production of this preparatory work, students will provide themselves with a clear plan of the outcomes they wish to produce during the 15-hour, timed element of the exam (usually taking place in May), which they must complete unaided.
Worth 40% of the A level.