A Level Photography

Art is an adventure into an unknown world, which can only be explored by those willing to take the risks - Mark Rothko

Exam Board

EDUQAS

Why should I study Photography?

Photography is a stimulating and demanding course designed for those who have a passion for imagery, a creative flair and enjoy a combination of practical and computer-based work. It is anticipated that in year one students will develop fundamental photographic skills, including those required for working on experimental image making, studio, location and digital photography projects.

This course integrates practical, critical and theoretical study. It allows you to express yourself creatively through a variety of media and techniques.

Our friendly and experienced staff will help you tailor the course to suit your individual strengths. We will provide you with excellent facilities, including a Mac Suite with up to date software, photography studio and a 3D workshop. After a broad start to the course, you will build on the skills you have developed to produce a portfolio that shows a wide range of high-quality coursework, produced over the two years, enabling you to have an excellent range of work for both university and industry interviews.

This course delivers a real mix of academic and practical learning which will help you to develop transferable skills and prepare you well for a wide range of careers, whether that be within the creative arts or further afield.

What will I study?

You will study art from an academic viewpoint, responding to the world around you and taking your ideas into visual outcomes. These visual outcomes will be highly skilled and hold meaning to both yourself, the producer, and the viewer, due to the rigorous development and refinement of the visual journey.

This course allows the students to learn a diverse range of photographic techniques and processes. You will have a complete understanding of the different elements of photography and how these can be incorporated within your own work.

The main taught content of the lessons will be split between:

• Contextual studies, to enable you to deconstruct pieces of art work and have an in-depth understanding of their technical construction.
• Skill development across a range of disciplines through workshops and tutorial lessons.
• Periodic constructively critical reviews of your personal investigation.

You will also be encouraged to use the studio in your own time, affording you the opportunity to build on skills learnt during the taught sessions.

There will be opportunities for you to visit museums and interesting venues to complete ‘location’ shoots. You will visit universities to take part in Art and Design workshops and have the opportunity to enter your work in nationally acclaimed competitions.

How is A Level Photography assessed?

You will complete a personal investigation worth 60% of your final grade. This involves a major in-depth, critical, practical, and theoretical investigative project; your development process will be recorded in your portfolio, and a final outcome, or outcomes, will be based on themes and subject matter that have personal significance to you. You will also complete an extended written element of at least 1000 words, which may contain images and texts. You will also complete an externally set assessment worth 40%, which involves a preparatory study period followed by a 15-hour period of sustained focus work.

What can I study with Photography?

Photography combines well with a wide range of subjects due to the variety of skills required to be successful. It most naturally links with creative courses such as textiles, graphics and fine art. Equally it complements subjects such as the humanities, media and IT.

Where does a qualification in Photography lead?

The course provides secure foundations for progression to art and design-based degree courses, such as photography, fine art, illustration, architecture, interior design and fashion design. It is a strong, well established and respected subject that provides transferrable skills which will cross over to any profession or degree course. Employers and university admissions tutors alike look for the skills that studying art and design provides, such as independent learning, creativity and working to deadlines.

Minimum subject requirements

Grade 6 in art.

If you have not taken an art and design qualification in year 11, don’t worry. We can assess your creative ability and material understanding at interview; please have a portfolio of your work ready to bring with you.

DACA Fine Art Alumni

Name: Abby

High School: DACA

Subjects: Photography, graphics and criminology

Now studying study Architecture at Manchester University

Name: Patriycja

High School: DACA

Subjects: Photography, performing arts and creative digital media production

Now working as a professional model across Europe, and can be seen in Vogue and the runways of Paris and Milan