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Photography

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A picture speaks a thousand words. Study includes cultural, historical and contemporary practice and its use as a means of visual expression and communication. On the practical side you will learn how to choose and treat subjects for photographs, as well as how to take, develop, print and manipulate images.

Course Structure

The course follows the AQA Art and design Photography specification. The whole A Level is made up of four mandatory units:

AS Unit Title and Description	Assessment Method and Weighting
ARTF1 Photography: Lens based and light based media Introduction to basic techniques, processes and equipment To include at least one extended project/collection of work	Coursework Portfolio AS Level – 50% A Level – 25% 80 marks A portfolio of materials which exemplify work carried out at AS. Marked as a whole
ARTF2 Photography: Lens based and light based media Assignment issued to candidates at the beginning of February A choice of assignment themes Supervised exam conditions time of 5 hours in combination with coursework.	Externally set assignment AS Level – 50% A Level – 25% 80 marks Marked as whole
A2 Unit Title and Description	Assessment Method and Weighting
ARTF3 Photography: Lens based and light based media Personal investigation based on an idea, issue, concept or theme Supported by written material 1000-3000 words	Personal Investigation A Level – 25% Marked as a whole
ARTF4 Photography: Lens based and light based media Assignment issued to candidates at the beginning of February. A choice of assignment themes Supervised exam conditions time of 15 hours in combination with coursework.	Externally set assignment A Level – 25% Marked as a whole

Course Content

The AS year begins by introducing basic camera techniques; exposure, aperture, shutter speed, film speed, white balance, using different lenses and composition techniques. It moves onto an introduction to studio lighting, digital manipulation, traditional film and darkroom techniques. You will undertake a series of practical workshops and projects followed up by theory sessions involving classroom discussion of photographs and other visual media, note-taking and essay writing. The A2 year is focused on developing personal interests and will include a written study alongside a thorough practical investigation building on skills gained in the first year.

Career Opportunities

Photography careers are in varied fields; fashion, journalism, sports, editorial, publishing, advertising, medicine, science, fine art, and travel. Around half of all professional photographers are self-employed, the remainder work for a wide range of employers, including creative businesses, publishers and photographic agencies, or in the education or public sector.

Entry Requirements

We require candidates to have the standard Sixth Form entry criteria, including GCSE English and Maths. A GCSE or BTEC in art and design/ photography is useful however entries will be judged on the presentation of a portfolio of visual photographic based work.

Costs

Photography is an expensive area in terms of equipment and printing costs. We provide cameras for hire and so you are not expected to have your own, however a digital or film SLR camera is an advantage. Students will need to have a USB memory stick or external hard drive for the purpose of saving their images. Limited amounts of printing credits are provided for students and professional paper for printing. Students will be expected to top up their printing credits and this is a potential extra cost.

Participation in residential and non-residential trips is encouraged but is not compulsory. Both can be paid for via installments if required.

Links

• http://web.aqa.org.uk/qual/gce/arts/art_materials.php
• www.the-aop.org
• www.bipp.com
• www.skillset.org

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Posted in : A Levels