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Art and Design – Photography
Course Overview
The AQA Photography course will certainly try and do this as well as looking at the social, cultural and artistic context of photography. We have an extensive art and design library with over 3,500 titles. The department has its own IT suite running Adobe Creative Studio as well as an A1 printer and dedicated film scanner. There are also DSLR cameras as well as a range of film cameras including a 5x4 plate camera and a darkroom.
Throughout the Photography A Level course, students will have the opportunity to visit London galleries and masterclass talks. We also frequently invite artists into the school, to give insight into working as a professional artist. It is not a requirement to have studied Art at GCSE, but you will need to be self-motivated, as many photographs needs to be undertaken out of school time.
Lower Sixth Upper Sixth
During the first year of the course, you will have the opportunity to experience both digital and chemical photographic processes and explore and understand the different genres.
This phase provides the basis for one extensive practical project.
Alongside this work, you will be expected to build up evidence of your awareness of the context of photography within culture to complement and inform your practical work.
Personal Investigation
(worth 60%)
This is a practical investigation, supported by written material. Students are required to conduct a practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. The aim is to produce a significant ‘body of work’ such as you might produce for a gallery exhibition.
Entry Requirements
You do not need your own digital or 35mm film camera, although both would be useful.
Why take this course?
Pathways to further study of Art, Design, Architecture, Engineering, Interior Design, Art Foundation, Ceramics. Careers in Commercial Art, Sculpting, Interior Design, Theatre Design, Architecture, Animation, Conservation, Restoration.
Externally-set Assignment
(worth 40%)
Students are expected to respond to an externally set range of questions.
This involves a preparation period from February and 15 hour supervised time.
Both portfolios of work are then curated by the students with help from the department in preparation for external moderation.
