Page 39 - Seaford Sixth Form Options Booklet 2018/19

Photography A Level (AQA)
Head of Department:
Mr A Grantham-Smith
Teaching Staff:
Mrs K Grantham-Smith
Course Content
Terms 1 & 2 – Expanding Existing Student Knowledge. Over the first two terms students experience a range of practical and theoretical workshops that build upon existing student knowledge
Terms 3 & 4 - Component 1 Personal investigation. 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
Terms 5 & 6 - Component 2 Externally set assignment. The exam board issues a question paper which consists of a choice of eight questions to be used as starting points. Students are required to select one to base this unit of work on. At the end of this unit students undertake a timed examination study. Supervised time – 15 hours
Overview
Photography students produce practical and critical/contextual work in one or more areas of study. For example: portraiture; landscape photography; still life photography; documentary photography; photojournalism; fashion photography; experimental imagery; multimedia; photographic installation.
The course structure is:
Exam based project – 40%
Coursework in the form of a personal project – 60%
Expectations
An ability to work with autonomy is essential to fully engage with all ‘arts’ subjects. Students must be prepared to not only work hard in lessons but also be prepared to invest substantial time outside the taught curriculum working on weekly prep assignments. Students must also be open to new experiences and be willing to take artistic risks within their emerging work.
Future Pathway
Art based A Levels contribute UCAS points to most Degree courses. Art based A Levels are obviously essential qualifications for anyone wishing to further their education to Art College or Design based courses.
Key Skills
Students could develop the following throughout the course: Awareness of intended audience or purpose; the ability to respond to an issue, theme, concept or idea, or work to a brief or answer a need; appropriate use of the camera, film, lenses, filters and lighting for work in their chosen area(s) of photography; an understanding of techniques related to the production of photographic images, presentation and layout.
Recommended Entry Requirements
It is useful for students to have completed and passed an Art based GCSE course but is not an essential entry requirement. A good command over vocabulary and an ability to write well is essential.
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