A-Level Photography

Through the study of Photography you will develop the skills of:

• Control and manipulation of media and techniques: to create technically and aesthetically skillful work.

• Analytical and critical thinking: to appreciate the work of artists and photographers.

• Creative problem-solving: by finding practical solutions to express ideas.

• Presentation and communication: to share your observations, ideas and feelings through your work.

There are trips to London for A Level students to visit Art Galleries and to sketch and photograph for project work. The Visual Arts department also runs a trip to Amsterdam in September, to visit Art galleries, and to give students the opportunity to photograph and draw in this beautiful city.

Core Skills: We start with a series of short projects to explore specific genres, technical aspects and creative possibilities within digital photography and Photoshop: White Still Life; Abstract Composition; Documentary Photography; Surreal Photomontage; Capturing Motion; Studio Portraits.

Project Work: You will explore a range of ideas on the two themes of ‘Portraiture’ and ‘The City’, working towards a final outcome. This is an introduction to the A Level Assessment Objectives and how to build a project towards a final outcome.

Personal Investigation: You will explore a range of ideas from a choice of starting points to develop a personal project outline. This is the beginning of the assessed work for the A Level in Photography.

Related Study: You will continue to develop the Personal Investigation practical portfolio through exploration and experimentation with techniques. Alongside this work, there is a written study to explore some aspect of your practice, called the Related Study. The combined Personal Investigation and Related Study form 60% of the A Level marks.

Exam Preparation: This is the start of the externally set exam and forms 40% of the A Level marks. You will choose one starting point from the exam paper and develop your own project idea towards a final outcome.

Exam: The final exam is 15 hours. During this time you will complete your exam project by creating a final outcome.

Students must have achieved at least five strong passes (to at least Grade 5) at GCSE level, including English Language, Maths, and an art-based subject.