Photography
Curriculum Leader: Mr T. Rigg
Photography A-level equips students with the ability to record striking imagery using the latest editing software and photographic equipment. The course is structured to enable students to use a camera creatively, effectively and competently. Students will explore different styles and genres of photography and investigate modern and contemporary photographers and artists.
There is a strong practical element to the course, where students are encouraged to explore their own ideas within a structured framework. Students will be taught how to use Adobe Photoshop, Digital SLR camera’s and be inducted into using basic studio equipment. The course allows students to become technically sound using photography equipment but also enables them to interpret themes with a more conceptual and abstract take on recording imagery.
A-Level Photography
In year 12 students go through a 12 week induction phase which covers a range of specialist techniques and processes. These include – Light and Shadow, Macro, Night Photography, Long exposure, Motion blur, Documentary, Studio Photography and Portraiture. Students are inducted into how to keep a visual record of their work, this could be through the use of a sketchbook or a digital form of presentation. After the induction phase students then personalise their investigation and research around a theme they settle on for their Major Project. We explore a broad range of photographers and artists to inform their decision.
Year 13 is an opportunity to continue putting together students Major Project. Students take a series of shoots based around their research, and produce a multitude of outcomes using a range of skills they’ve learnt so far on the course. They will then put together a final piece for their major project for an exhibition at the end of the year. The Major project is worth 60% of their A-level.
The other 40% of the qualification is the externally set assignment where the students have 12 weeks to put together a unit of work based on the theme set by the exam board, this ends with the production of a final piece in 15 hours.
The exam board we use is AQA – https://www.aqa.org.uk/subjects/art-and-design/as-and-a-level/art-and-design-7201
The course is facilitated by a visit to a major English City and the internationally renowned Galleries from that city. Previous visits include Manchester and London. We also put on an end of year show paired with the Art courses in the sixth form to showcase and celebrate the students achievements.
Photography students have the opportunity to visit live art work and take relevant photographs for the projects they study on our annual trip to London. The students visit relevant exhibitions and have the chance to photograph interesting parts of the city.
Students are also encouraged to use the department’s computer rooms and can book out the digital photo studio in their own time to continue working on their photography work