A Level Photography
The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of the nature of visual thinking and its appropriate language and its potential in 21st century creativity. As such, Photography is widely recognised as valuable preparation for those considering a career in the creative industries (e.g. media, film, photo journalism, fashion, illustration, or game design). It also enriches the students’ appreciation of the world around them. The course includes the study of a selected broad genre within Photography such as portraiture, landscape, documentary/photojournalism or still life as a starting point in Year 12 that will develop into a more personal investigation of the student’s own choosing in Year 13. Students will have the opportunity to explore traditional/experimental dark room techniques and processes, new media processes such as video, animation, photographic installation and sound manipulation using industry standard software.
Course Description
In Year 12, students will explore a variety of practical workshops including traditional film camera control and film processing, dark room techniques, handmade negatives, pin hole camera, SLR camera control, studio photography, animation, moving image, experimental imagery, multimedia, Photoshop and other digital applications.
In Year 13, they will build upon the skills that they have learnt in Year 12 to research, plan and develop a unit of coursework which will be assessed at the end of the academic year. In this time, students will produce final pieces in at least two of the specialisms explored in Year 12. They will also produce a Personal Study which is an academic essay of between 1000 and 3000 words based upon their chosen area of study.
In February of Year 13, students will receive their examination question paper which they will use as the basis for their second unit of work for a 15-hour exam set over 3 days. The exam is approximately 8 weeks after receipt of the exam paper.
During the course, students will be advised on how to build a portfolio of artwork suitable for entry to a one-year pre-degree Foundation Diploma course in Art and Design or a University Degree.
Beyond A Level
The degree courses and careers associated with the Photography A Level are substantial and varied. A selected list would include CGI and special effects, media, film, TV, entertainment industries, video direction, picture editing, journalism and photo journalism, fashion photography, product and studio photography, animation, games design, game art (computer games), alternative media, scenography, industrial design, theatre design, graphic design, product design, film-based photography, digital photography, film and video production, illustration, typography, installation and interactive media. Students are free to develop their own interests within this course.
