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AS Course Content
The AS Photography course lasts one year in which students will be expected to deepen their understanding of art practice by investigating and exploring their ideas. This is an opportunity for in-depth research into a chosen area of interest.
Term 1
During the first term students are introduced to and explore a range of ideas, techniques and processes aiding the development of skills, knowledge and understanding of how to develop an extended project. Students are also introduced to research skills, methods and how to access a range of sources. Students will begin to work on an extended personal project and will choose a photographer/s who they find inspiring, to trigger their personal investigation. This needs to show an in-depth understanding of materials and processes.
Students are required to work in one or more area(s) of Photography, such as those listed below. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas.
- portraiture
- landscape photography (working from the urban, rural and/or coastal environment)
- still-life photography, working from objects or from the natural world
- documentary photography, photo journalism
- experimental imagery
- photographic installation, video, television and film.
Set contextual assignments will be completed throughout the course, developing observational and analytical skills. Students will have the opportunity to visit art/photography galleries during the first term, there are also Saturday visits to a range of traditional and contemporary galleries. Students are also expected to visit galleries and museums in their own time.
Term 2
During the second term, students will continue to produce work for their extended project for their Portfolio. The exam topic preparation period commences at the beginning of February. This topic is set by the exam board, and has the same assessment structure as the coursework element.
Term 3
This is a short term with all work having to be marked and submitted to the exam board. Therefore, students will be refining work in all of their books and final outcomes, and select work for submission.
AS students will be part of an external exhibition, they will be expected to mount and hang their work, and support others on their course.
A2 Course Content
A Level Photography is a challenging, exciting and intensely personal course which lasts for two years.
Year 1 - Term 1
Students will be introduced to and will explore a range of ideas, techniques and processes aiding to the development of skills, knowledge and understanding, and will be introduced to research skills and processes.
Year 1 - Term 2
Students will continue to explore a variety of sources, processes and ideas. This will lead to the development of skills, knowledge and understanding of their personal extended project.
Year 1 - Term 3
Students continue to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in project work, pulling together all that they have learnt while exploring and experimenting. Students investigate ideas, themes and issues for their extended project.
Year 2 - Term 1
Students begin their extended project for Portfolio. This is a practical unit with written elements in which candidates are expected to develop a personal extended project based on an idea, issue, concept or theme which will eventually lead to a finished piece or pieces.
Students are required to work in one or more area(s) of Photography, such as those listed below. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas.
- portraiture
- landscape photography (working from the urban, rural and/or coastal environment)
- still-life photography, working from objects or from the natural world
- documentary photography, photo journalism
- experimental imagery
- photographic installation, video, television and film.
The practical elements should be linked with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of photographers, designers or craftspeople. This needs to trigger a personal investigation and needs to show an in-depth understanding of what was learnt in the first year. Sources should be identified and a bibliography and list of visits should be included.
Students will have the opportunity to visit galleries during the first term, there are also Saturday visits to a range of traditional and contemporary galleries. Students are also expected to visit galleries and museums in their own time.
Year 2 - Term 2
Students continue to produce work for their extended project for their Portfolio. Externally set assignment preparation period begins in February. Students will be expected to deepen their understanding of Photography by investigating and exploring their ideas. This is an opportunity for in-depth research into a chosen area of interest.
Year 2 - Term 3
This is a short term as all work has to be marked and submitted to the exam board. Therefore, students will be refining work in their coursework book and coursework final outcomes. Students will also complete the externally set assignment during this term. The exam will happen after the Easter, this is the culmination of your ideas and research, and they will produce a final piece or pieces. The exam is the culmination of this unit and cannot be worked into afterwards.
A2 students will be part of an external exhibition, they will be expected to mount and hang their work, and support others on their course.
Assessment
The examination criteria:
- Development of an idea
- Exploration of their idea
- Recording skills
- Presentation of their ideas
AS Assessment is made up of:
Coursework is continuously assessment and is worth 60% of the overall grade.
The Exam lasts 10 hours and is worth 40% of the overall grade.
A Level Assessment is made up of:
Coursework is continuously and is worth 60% of the overall grade.
The Final Exam is 15 hours and is worth 40% of the overall grade.
Career Progression
Possible career opportunities include:
- Animator Community Arts Worker
- Digital Imaging Specialist
- Working in Education
- Exhibition Photographer
- Fashion Photographer
- Fine Art Photographer
- Forensic Photographer
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Industrial/Product Photographer
- Jewelry Designer
- Medical Photographer
- Museum/Gallery Photographer
- Press Photographer
- Production Designer for theatre/television/film etc
- Web Designer
