Courses
Overview
Photography (Art & Design)
Introduction
Our A-level photography course at Eckington School is designed to support a range of student interests, learning styles and aspirations for progression. We offer choice in project development, a variety of teaching and learning experiences (such as visits, demonstrations, modelling, reading, watching, getting 'hands on' etc), and aspirations to progress onto university courses and careers in the creative industries.
Our A-level photography course encourages students to develop:
- Intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive capabilities.
- Investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement.
- Independence of mind in developing, refining and communicating their own ideas, their own intentions and their own personal outcomes.
- An interest in, enthusiasm for and enjoyment of photography.
- Their experience of working with a broad range of photography related media, camera techniques and Photoshop skills.
- An understanding of the interrelationships between photography and other art related processes and an awareness of the contexts in which they operate.
- Knowledge and understanding of media and technologies in contemporary and past societies and cultures.
- An awareness of different roles, functions, audiences and consumers of photography
Qualification
A-level
Awarding body
Pearson
Course leader
H Partridge
Assessment
- Examination: 40% (one 15 hour exam over 3 days at the end of the course plus a preparation period of between 12-14 weeks leading up to the exam).
- Non-examined assessment: 60%
Curriculum
Curriculum Roadmap
Topics
Students will develop integrated knowledge, skills and understanding of the following, through an introduction project and an in depth individual personal project:
- The principles of digital photography, including digital processing.
- Viewpoint, white balance, composition, focus, aperture, shutter speed, exposure, shooting modes.
- The use and qualities of image acquisition hardware and software, image manipulation and analogies between digital and other forms of photography.
- The relationships between colour and tone for screen and print-based media, screen calibration and file formats.
- The use of a range of source material, software and hardware in the generation and development of ideas.
Skills and requirements
Subject entry requirements
- Grade 5 in GCSE photography.
Sixth Form entry requirements
- 4 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 or more grade 7s or above including English and maths (grade 5 or above).
- 3 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 grade 5s or above including English and maths.
- Level 3 vocational courses: for students who have achieved 5 grade 4s or above including English and maths.
Skills learned
- Record experiences and observations, in a variety of ways.
- Analyse, discuss and evaluate photography, and make and record independent judgements.
- Use knowledge and understanding of the work of others to develop.
- Generate and explore potential lines of enquiry.
- Apply knowledge and understanding in creating photographs and installation art; review and modify work.
- Organise, select and communicate ideas.
Beyond the classroom
Future pathways
A-level photography is a popular and much sought-after qualification for entry to a number of full-time courses in higher education. It will also gain you access to a wider choice of courses after Sixth Form. Students can progress from this qualification to:
- Further education courses such as the BTEC level 3 foundation diploma in art and design (QCF).
- Higher education courses such as BTEC higher national diplomas in art and design subjects, or direct to a BA honours degree with an art and design focus.
- Apprenticeships or other training.
- Employment in a related sector.
