Photography

  • 100% pass rate in AS and A2 in 2009. 
  • In 2009, 67% of AS and A2 students achieved high grades.  
  • The conversion rate from students in AS to A2 is high; student questionnaires have highlighted their satisfaction with the course and the resources, in particular the fact that they can choose between darkroom and digital work in their projects.
  • A2 Photography students have gained direct entry onto Photography courses in F.E.
  • A2 students can use the facilities in the studios and darkroom at any time during their free periods.
  • A2 students are able to pursue a unit of work based on their own interests in the subject.  This allows them to focus on more independent work and build a portfolio of work that is relevant to their chosen area of study for the future.
Who does this subject?…. 
 
We would recommend that candidates should have acquired the skills and knowledge associated with achieving a grade C or above at GCSE art and design or equivalent course, such as GCSE Photography.  It must be emphasised that this is not a requirement but is desirable.  Students wishing to apply for the course without this qualification will be considered, but must bring a portfolio of photographic work demonstrating a visual awareness,  to their interview  and be seen by the head of department.
 
Qualification: 
AS Photography: lens-based and light-based media
Length: 
Level 3 one year course, 4 periods per week
Unit 1: 
Students will explore photographic techniques using a variety of methods and media. This is done through black and white film photography, use of the darkroom, digital photography and photo-editing through the use of Adobe Photoshop.  
 
All students will be expected to keep sketchbooks / journals to document the development of their work.  They will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to Photography and a wider range of art and design, from the past and from recent times, including European and non European examples.  This will be done through practical and critical activities, which demonstrate the candidates’ understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.  Students will be expected to use a working vocabulary and specialist terminology which is relevant to their chosen area of study.
 
Unit 2: 
The emphasis of this unit will be the development of ideas. There will be a choice of five questions to be used as starting points (students are required to select one).  Work produced in this unit must show: 
  • Understanding of visual language
  • The ability to respond to an issue, theme or concept
  • Appreciation of viewpoint, composition, depth of field and movement
  • The appropriate use of equipment, including darkroom, digital equipment and software
  • Exploring suitable methods of presentation 
Sketchbooks/journals will be kept to document the development of work, leading towards a final outcome. There will be a period of five hours within this externally set unit to be devoted to the development of ideas. This work will be completely independent and will be under exam conditions. 
 
What the department specifically offers that is noteworthy...: 

Photography has a spacious, well-equipped Apple Mac suite and black and white darkroom facilities, as well as a range of photographic equipment, such as Digital SLR cameras, which are available for loan. The photography tutors have subject specific qualifications and continue to practice.  This enables them to keep up to date with developments in the subject area.

Students are encouraged to use the facilities in the studio and darkroom at any time during their free periods.

The photography students have access to an extensive selection of books and journals, which are regularly updated. 

AS and A2 photography both achieved 100% pass rate in 2009, 2010 and 2011. In 2011, 98% of A2 students and 91% of AS level students gained A-C grades.
 
In A2 students are taken on gallery visits on a regular basis and workshops are run in order to widen the students’ skill base.

The subject is very popular and this is reflected in student comments;

“It allows you to be flexible with your creativity and express your own ideas”

“It’s enjoyable but also challenging. It’s a chance to be creative and use new skills”

“It’s a fun practical lesson to do and you do a lot of independent work”

Exam Board: 
AQA
GCSE Requirements: 
General College entry requirements. Students without Art GCSE must produce a portfolio of work.