Art and Design: Photography

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM HILLVIEW SCHOOL FOR GIRLS FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 APPLICATIONS*

Applications Open: 1 November 2023

Applications Close: 5 January 2024

Entry Requirements: Minimum entry requirements are 5 GCSE's at Grade 4 or above, which MUST include English Language and Mathematics, plus any additional individual subject requirements.

How to Apply: Applications are only accepted via KentChoices.

A Level Photography provides the opportunity for students to develop a broad range of photographic skills using traditional analogue methods, digital editing and fine art outcomes such as sculpture and installation. The course requires students to make in-depth personal and imaginative responses to a chosen theme. Students use research and problem-solving to independently develop ideas. Analysis of visual imagery helps students to interpret visual language and use it to communicate complex and personal concepts.

The course requires students to make indepth personal and imaginative responses to chosen themes and has a strong academic element through the critical evaluation of the work of photographers. Students learn how to develop ideas in response to contextual studies through exploration of media, techniques and processes.

This course consists of two components.

Component 1:

Personal Investigation (60%) The coursework includes a ‘Personal Investigation’ through sketchbooks and outcomes, and a written ‘Personal Study’.

Component 2:

Externally Set Assignment (40%) The examination includes sketchbooks and outcomes completed from January to April with a 15 hour exam to produce final outcomes.

This course enables students to move on to a wide range of Art and Design courses at Foundation and Degree level e.g. Photography, Film & Media, Fashion, Creative Advertising, or a combination of Photography with Journalism, Business or Marketing. The creativity, problemsolving skills and personal resilience that students develop through completing this course are highly sought after across many sectors.

Both components involve creative problem solving which requires students to undertake investigative and research work in addition to experimental exploration, looking at alternative ways of finding a solution. Sketchbook work needs to be informed, purposeful and extensive. Students must work with independence carrying out in-depth research from a range of primary sources, critiquing and referencing their experimentation before developing their final responses.

The independent and open nature of work is demanding. Therefore, students must be prepared to be committed, self-motivated, and innovative risk takers.

General entry requirements to study three Level 3 qualifications for Hillview Sixth Form are Grade 4 in both English Language and Maths, together with 3 other GCSE grades at Grade 4 or above.

SUBJECT SPECIFIC ENTRANCE CRITERIA

Grade 5 or above in a creative Art and Design subject plus grade 4 or above in English Language and Maths. APS of 4.5.

This course enables students to move on to a wide range of Art and Design courses at Foundation and Degree level e.g. Photography, Film & Media, Fashion, Creative Advertising, or a combination of Photography with Journalism, Business or Marketing. The creativity, problemsolving skills and personal resilience that students develop through completing this course are highly sought after across many sectors