Photography AS and A2

Photography AS and A2

Photography – lens and light-based media enables you to explore the camera and its manual settings, explore different photographic techniques and become familiar with a variety of film based and digital photographic equipment.

You will use photography to develop ideas through sustained investigations, exploration and a critical understanding of the work of others’, with an emphasis on fine art.

What Will I Learn?

The AS course is divided into two separate parts: the foundation phase allows you time to generate practical work, ideas and research from primary and contextual sources. You will experiment with digital and film-based techniques and develop and refine your ideas, submitting work for a few short projects.

The Personal Creative Enquiry will enable you to work more independently in the development of ideas, intentions and responses. Culminating in a substantial project portfolio and final presentation outcome.

The A2 course, in the second year of study, is divided into two separate units: Personal Investigation incorporates two linked elements, each with separate final outcomes: Practical work and Personal study.

The investigation and development for both the Practical work and Personal study will be shown through supporting studies in your portfolio and photographic installation. Externally set assignment represents the culmination of the A2 course.

The paper consists of one broad-based thematic starting point with the emphasis on research and independence in the development of ideas and outcome, in the form of a substantial portfolio and photographic installation.

Entry Requirements

You will require 5 GCSEs at Grades A*- C including English/Welsh Language and it is benefical to own a Digital SLR with interchangeable lens although not essential.

You can discuss which camera you will need to purchase with your tutor during interview. You will be required to purchase a Digital SLR for the start of the course.

You will be invited to attend an interview, and will undertake an assessment in literacy and numeracy, to establish any support required.

Assessment

You will be assessed by 60% coursework and 40% externally set assignments.

Career Progression

On successful completion of this course many learners apply to and are offered places at university or you could seek employment or self employment

Further Notes

Compatible subjects include:

• Media Studies

• Film Studies

• Art

• English

• Drama

This subject is part of the full time A level Programme. To apply for this subject you need to apply for the A Level or Combined Programme

A Level Programme - You will need to choose 3 or 4 AS Levels to study the A Level Programme

Combined Programme - You will need to choose 1 or 2 AS Levels combined with a vocational option. Vocational options include: Applied Science, IT, Business, Criminology, Law, Sports and Exercise Sciences, or Health and Social Care.