Photography OCR
Why study Photography?
The Photography Department at Rendcomb College is committed to offering a rich and stimulating environment.
The Photography course enables you to identify and learn techniques from a range of photographers, disciplines and themes and will cement your knowledge of the camera to allow you to capture and communicate exactly what you desire.
Photography A-Level encourages students to express their individual creativity, whilst honing their technical ability, visual analysis, post-production skills and attention to detail. Communication using visual language feeds creativity and is enhanced by IT skills including Photoshop and the possibility of video production, leading to a wealth of traditional and contemporary references which enhances our students’ personal development.
Our photography classroom remains open well beyond the timetabled day, enabling you to further pursue your editing skills and ideas outside of allotted class time. In addition to this we have a dedicated photography studio space that includes a range of backdrops, lights and filters, allowing students to experience and develop their own professional level studio photography. This is all further enhanced by the international trip that we run for 6th form Art and Photography students (numbers permitting). This non-compulsory trip allows students to discover and visit world leading photography museums and to photograph and explore some of the cultural centres of the world that will directly contribute their coursework projects.
Entry Requirements
We recommend that all students have at least a B or grade 6 in GCSE Art, English or Computer Science. It will be expected that students research the context and history of art, record their observations in a variety of media, and produce practical work and written investigations.
What is Involved?
The A Level course has two units which students undertake over two years.
• Component 1 is a personal investigation whereby the individual produces a sustained investigation of creative photography work based on a given theme. Covering four assessment objectives, the modules contribute towards a concluding final work or works. In conjunction with the practical element, is a written related study which enables learners to demonstrate their ability to communicate appropriate knowledge and understanding using critical thinking and key vocabulary.
• Component 2 is an externally set task. Candidates select one starting point from a choice prescribed by the exam board and produce preparatory work covering four assessment objectives. All the work produced will be marked as a whole, concluding in a fifteen hour examination.