Photography develops creativity within students and over the course, learners become independent in their studies, preparing them to become confident, skilled practitioners.
Photography is a subject that opens many opportunities to those who wish to capture the world in different ways. Apart from great job prospects including photojournalism and advertising, photography is a great medium for developing creative independence and exploring a diverse range of both traditional and contemporary techniques and processes.
Qualification
A level Photography
Awarding body
AQA
Entry requirements
Pass in English and maths. 5 grades 5 or above (which can include English and maths.) If Art was studied at GCSE then a 6 is required, if srt was not studied at GCSE then entry will be based on a portfolio and a discussion with the subject lead.
Year 12
Skills & Principles – Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences as they learn the building blocks of photography, including formal elements and rules of composition. There will develop their technical skills: aperture, shutter speed, depth of field and exposure. Students will also be introduced to traditional photographic methods including handmade negatives and dark room processing.
Sustained Project – Documentary Photography, Architectural Photography, Landscape Photography. Students will engage with image manipulation using both traditional and contemporary methods in order to respond creatively to a range of contextual sources.
Year 13
Personal Investigation – Students work independently to produce a body of work on a theme of their choice. This project is supported by a short written component, relating to their personal investigation.
Externally set exam - Students respond to a stimulus, provided by AQA, to produce work which provides evidence of their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response which addresses all the assessment objectives and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.
Assessment
60% - Coursework
40% - Externally Set exam
AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.
AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.
AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.
AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.