A Level Photography

A Level Photography

Exam Board AQA

Why Study? Photography is a unique subject and way of studying that can lead to a broad range of careers in the creative industries. It also helps to develop skills and competencies that employers look for, such as innovation, independence, open mindedness and resilience. The camera can show the world as you choose to see it, it can communicate an idea, a thought, an observation and is an incredibly effective tool for communication. Photography is everywhere. This is your chance to develop your voice as a photographer, to explore ideas creatively and to challenge the perceptions of the viewer.

This is a broad course that enables students to work in a variety of photography techniques and mediums. Students will be re-introduced to the basics of Photography then propelled into a range of creative and exciting workshops to further build upon skills and knowledge. Once students have developed their knowledge and understanding of the vast possibilities within photography, students will begin an independent coursework project based upon a starting point/theme.

Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences employing a range of media, processes and techniques. Year 12 is based on experimentation, improving their practical, research and creative skills, exploring themes and developing exciting and original responses. Students will build a portfolio of work and find out what they enjoy, and what they would like to explore through their Personal Investigation/ Coursework (Component 1).

For a student’s personal investigation, they will identify a theme, issue, concept or idea to fully explore through practical experimentation, eventually focussing to produce their own original outcome/s and responses. There will be a 1000-3000 word essay to support their practical studies. Students personal investigation continues into Y13. Component 2 is an externally set assignment that will take place from February until May in Y13, giving you a choice of interesting starting points.

Each component is internally marked. AQA moderators will then visit to check the marks are in line with national standards. Throughout the course you will receive individual tutorials, group tutorials and teacher reviews.

• Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of A Level)

Portfolio of Photography work, practically investigating a chosen theme or idea, supported by essay

• Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of A Level)

Preparatory period plus 15 hours supervised time

Students undertaking this course will be expected to have gained normal entry requirements plus at least a GCSE grade 5 or a BTEC L2 Merit in an Art and Design subject

Photography helps develop skills that all employers look for, such as creativity and problem solving, but there is a wide range of careers that studying Photography can lead to. Examples include working within design fields such as graphic design or web design, film and television, advertising and promotions, theatre and events, animation, photo journalism or working as a freelance photographer.

This course is an ideal choice for students wishing to progress to Art/ Photography related courses in further/higher education