Photography
Every good company realises that creativity and good design are important factors in generating new business. As well as developing your creativity and learning to express yourself visually, photography can open the door to exciting career opportunities.
Year 12
Students study one component that allows them to investigate a range of methods, exploring a variety of media to produce a coursework portfolio that reflects their own interests.
They will also investigate a range of photographers who have influenced and inspired their work.
This year provides a great opportunity to experiment thoroughly with media, techniques and ideas, while developing creative confidence and personal expression.
Year 13
Students develop their interests further as part of a specialist project that reflects their own creative direction.
This is supported by a personal, written and illustrated study of approximately 3,000 words, demonstrating research, reflection and creative development.
Students will also complete an externally set assignment, allowing them to demonstrate their photographic skills and respond creatively to a given starting point.
Assessment Components
Component 1: Personal Investigation
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment
Assessment combines sustained coursework development with an externally set assignment. Students are rewarded for experimentation, research, creative development, reflection and the quality of their final outcomes.
Opportunities
On completing this course, students may choose to follow an Arts Foundation course before entering university, or progress directly into an arts-based degree.
Photography provides a strong foundation for those wishing to work in advertising, graphic design, illustration, typography and photography.
The creative and visual communication skills developed through the course are also valuable for careers in painting, sculpture, textile design, fashion design and many other creative industries.
Entrance Requirements
Essential Portfolio of photographs if no GCSE Photography qualification.
Desirable Grade 5 in Photography.
Photography (A-Level)
Photography develops creativity, visual communication and the ability to express ideas through images. The subject offers opportunities for personal expression while providing a foundation for further study and careers in creative industries.
Year 12
Students investigate a range of photographic methods, techniques and media to produce a coursework portfolio reflecting their own interests. They research photographers who have influenced and inspired their work and experiment with creative ideas and visual approaches.
Year 13
Students develop a specialist project reflecting their personal interests, supported by a written and illustrated study of approximately 3,000 words. They also complete an externally set assignment.
Assessment Components
Component 1: Personal Investigation. Coursework portfolio with no time limit. 96 marks (60%).
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment. Preparatory period followed by 15 hours of supervised time. 96 marks (40%).
Opportunities
Students may progress to an Arts Foundation course or directly to an arts-based degree. Photography provides a strong foundation for careers in advertising, graphic design, illustration, typography, photography, painting, sculpture, textiles and fashion design.
Entrance Requirements
Essential: Portfolio of photographs if no GCSE Photography qualification.
Desirable: Grade 5 in Photography.