Photography

STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR PHOTOGRAPHY

Photography students at Charters School will have gained high levels of creative thinking allied to advanced technical skills, underpinned by research of historical and contemporary contexts and the exploration of photography’s contribution to visual culture.

COURSE DETAILS

In Component 1, (the coursework worth 60%) students develop work based on an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. Practical work will make connections with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of artist(s), designer(s), photographers or craftspeople and includes written work of no more than 3000 words which supports the practical work.

In Component 2, (the exam worth 40%) students respond to a stimulus, provided by AQA, to produce work which provides evidence of their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response which addresses all the assessment objectives and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. The exam is a practical exam (15 hours long) spread over three days in which the students produce their final portfolio piece.

COMPLEMENTARY SUBJECTS

A Level Photography is an exciting course that embraces a wide variety of motivations and interests that sixth form students have in the visual arts and the wider community of digital media.

Our students choose photography for lots of different reasons and will often have a wide variety of subject choices. They choose Photography based on the high achieving results and the opportunity to be part of a creative and dynamic course. They choose Photography for the opportunity to develop a professional level portfolio, having access to industry standard software and a dedicated computer suite.

Subjects such as Psychology, History, English and Art have historically helped students to achieve high standards in their portfolios. Students with a scientific background enjoy the technical aspects of the equipment used in digital and traditional darkroom photography, whilst students with a creative interest find the development of a portfolio a rewarding outlet.

FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

On completion of the A level, you'll have a unique and compelling body of work for the marketplace.

Becoming a photography professional opens doors to a wide range of careers within a global landscape of creative industries.

Photography students can progress to an Art Foundation level before moving on to a degree course if your portfolio of work demonstrates the strengths required by the university.

Past students have gained places on Photography degrees at UCA and the universities of Bournemouth, Falmouth, Bristol and Southampton.

Our students go on to work in fields from editorial and fashion to movie stills and medical photography

BE INSPIRED BY EXPLORING FURTHER

Book: Carol Squiers: What is a Photograph? This book explores what photography means in the 21st century.

Podcast: This Week in Photos

https://thisweekinphoto.com/category/twip-episodes/

This Week in Photo is a great starting point for keen photographers. This Week in Photo covers all things photography – if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, it’s a must-listen.

On YouTube: Learn My Shot