Photography is about looking, learning, thinking and communicating ideas. It inspires creative thinkers. Photography means ‘drawing with light’ and that is what photographers do when they take a picture. Many photographers have explored various techniques to create images that make a personal statement about things that have interested or concerned them.
In this course students will explore the work of key practitioners and be introduced to important historical trends. They will develop a good understanding of photographic technology through practical tasks presented in the form of a technical workbook. They will develop their ability to research and analyse, both orally and in writing, important examples of photography from its origins to the present time.
Students will produce practical and critical/contextual work in one or more areas of study for example portraiture, landscape photography, still life photography, documentary photography, photojournalism, fashion photography, experimental imagery, multimedia, photographic installation and moving image (video, film and animation).
Exam Board: AQA
Year 1 Subject Content:
Students will complete Component 1, their personal investigation, by identifying an area of photography practice that interests them and by beginning to conduct strategic research. They will experiment with making relevant responses of their own, developing stronger ideas over time, refining and developing their work. Written work of no less than 1000 and no more than 3000 words will be submitted to support the practical work.
Year 2 Subject Content
Students will embark on Component 2 by selecting one of the prompts from the exam board’s Externally Set Tasks. They will respond by producing work which provides evidence of their ability to work independently within specified time constraints. They will use the assessment objectives to guide their working process and complete a response in a 15 hour controlled assessment.
Career Opportunities / Routes
Students may go on to study photography, digital imaging or art based degrees at universities and colleges in the UK and abroad. Students may also use their A level photography portfolio in their applications to leading art and design foundation courses.
Assessment
Component 1: Personal investigation / Portfolio
Students’ portfolio of work must show an understanding of the exam boards four assessment objectives and must demonstrate the context of the content of the skills presented and of the importance of process as well as product.
Photography portfolios will be marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre.
Component 2: Externally set assignment
Exam question paper set by AQA will consist of a choice of eight questions to be used as starting points. Students are required to select one.
Exam portfolios will be marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre.