PHOTOGRAPHY A-LEVEL
For more information please see Mrs Thomas
For whom is this course suitable?
Photography at A Level is essentially an Art and Design based course. It will build on the
skills, knowledge and understanding acquired at GCSE but it is not essential, an Art GCSE or
experience and an interest in Art outside school, would be advantageous.
What will I learn on this course?
• Photography — lens and light-based media includes works in film, video, digital imaging
and light-sensitive materials.
• Sometimes, techniques and processes are used to convey messages and create works
related to other disciplines, such as web-based animations, photographic images in
printed journals, light projections within theatrical or architectural spaces.
• Work in photography — lens and light-based media should form a means of personal
enquiry and expression involving the selection and manipulation of images.
• Students must employ creative approaches which go beyond mere observation and
recording.
Component 1—Personal Investigation (60%)
Part 1: practical work
From personal starting points
Students submit:
· supporting studies
· personal outcomes
Part 2: personal study (forms 12% of the 60%)
Students submit a piece of continuous prose of a minimum of 1000 words
Component 2—Externally set assignment (40%)
Externally-set, broad-based theme released to teachers and students on 1 February
Sustained focus period of 15-hours controlled assessment in which students create final
response(s) to the theme
Students submit:
· preparatory studies
· personal outcome(s)
Students will go on a variety of gallery and city visits to record experiences and ideas. There
will also be the opportunity to visit a European city of culture for 3 days in March. Previous
visits have included Florence and Berlin.
What could I do at the end of my course?
Students will be able to access higher education opportunities in the following areas:
Animation (stop motion, cartoons, digital, games), Marine and Natural History Photography,
Conservation/Restoration, Fashion, Film & Television, Photo Journalism, Fine Art,
Gallery/Museum Curator, Photography, Set Design and Web Design.
