Photography 

A-Level

Examination Board: AQA

Specification: 7206

Course Leader: Mr E Clark

Contact Email: eclark@tgschool.net

Photography gives you the opportunity to express yourself through a visual language. It encourages you to step outside your comfort zone and take worthwhile risks. Photography allows you to think differently and perceive the world in a way that you’ve never experienced before. It is for these reasons that choosing Photography was the best decision that I ever made!   Jemma Y13

Are you interested in:

  • Using a 35mm film camera and digital SLR?

  • Using a darkroom?

  • Photoshop digital skills?

  • Studio lighting and photography on location?

What Will I Study?

If you have vision, are creative, self-motivated and love photography, then this would be an excellent course for you to develop your skills. The digital world is developing at such a rapid rate, with images at the forefront of everything. This course enables students to learn how to create this content professionally. It is an incredibly exciting time to study the subject, whether focussed on documentary, commercial or artistic in terms of style. The combination of creative brief, small group work, computer editing and on shoot location provides a great balance to the course, enabling the development of a variety of roles and skills.

During year 12 students develop their ability to use techniques and processes through intense periods of experimentation, guided by in depth research into a variety of photographic starting points. There are two portfolio projects in the autumn term, exploring chemical processes and portraiture.

In the second term of year 12, students begin the ‘Personal Investigation’ component in which they apply the skills they have developed through an independently designed project, which combines practical and written elements. In year 13 the students complete an externally set (exam) project which comprises 40% of the overall assessment.

Additional Entry Requirements:

Students require a Grade 5 or above in GCSE Art and Design or Photography.

Assessment:

Formative assessment takes place throughout the course with feedback, group critiques and learning conversations used to drive progress. The exam takes place at the end of Year 13 and is externally moderated by AQA.

Leading to futures in:

A-Level Photography can support a huge number of career paths. This can include film, graphics, advertising, marketing, fashion, illustration, fine art and web design. Specific careers in photography could involve portrait, photo-journalism, scientific, editorial, fashion, sports photography, publicity and freelance work. The creativity and independent idea development will also support a wide range of careers.