Sixth Form Subjects

Photography

 Course Overview

This is very much an art based photographic course, with the emphasis on experimentation and creativity.
As well as digital imagery, students will be introduced to a variety of darkroom skills, using pinhole cameras, large format cameras, photograms and the like; capturing light in a more exciting and creative way.
Even after they have created images, these can be edited and added to, both digitally and physically – layering, scratching and drawing into them to make truly unique pieces. Students will be introduced to the work of a variety of practitioners, and they will be expected to fully immerse themselves in the world of the Visual Arts. This level of research will continually inform the work they then produce, until they start to develop their own strands of originality and creativeness.

Course Content and Assessment

 The course is made up of two components:

• A Personal Investigation (60%) and an Externally set task (40%).
• The two year AQA A Level in Photography is fully co-teachable.

Areas of Study

The themes and concepts change from year to year, but they may well be inspired by one or more of the following areas:

Portraiture, The Human Form, Landscape/Seascape/ Cityscape, Still Life, Natural World, Photojournalism, Fashion, Experimentation/Pattern-making, Video/Film/Animation, Multimedia and Installation/Projection

Learning Methods

Photography is taught with an over-riding practical element, complemented by technical information, playful experimentation and all important research into the work of other practitioners.
As well as work done in school, there is a high expectation that students will be constantly aware of visual opportunities, taking pictures at all times, both for set homework and self-initiated.
Producing the amount of work required for success is demanding on both time and energy, in the same way as any coursework based subject is, and as such, Photography should not be seen as an easy option.

Future Pathways

 Photography is important because all sectors of the job market require creative people who can make historical connections, overcome problems and develop ideas based on a deeper understanding of the subject area. This course will give you many transferable skills you can use in the future; not just photographic skills, but the ability to present work coherently, analyse and critically write about their own work and the work of others and cleverly manage their time while under pressure.

Think of the opportunities that will open up, especially in the UK, which is globally recognised as a centre of excellence for the creative industries – Fine Arts, Graphics, Fashion, Design, Pure Photography, Media, Journalism, Documentary, Film – the list is endless.

 Entry Requirements

A 6 or above in an Art or Design based subject.

In exceptional cases for students who have not taken GCSE art yet have a very strong portfolio, we would consider their application at interview.

A Level Photography Showcase

Student Testimonial

Testimonial in the pipeline

Other courses of interest

• Art and Design
• Design Technology
• English Language

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