The aims and objectives of the course are to enable students
to develop:
An interest in, enthusiasm for and enjoyment of
photography with independence of mind for developing and communicating ideas into visual outcomes
The operations and principles of creating a photographic image, including the use of available and controlled light, lenses, cameras and light-sensitive material
Materials to be investigative, analytical, experimental, practical and technical including digital and non-digital, print and screen-based
Expressive skills, an understanding of the formal elements, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement
An understanding of the inter-relationships between photography art, craft and design processes and an awareness of the contexts in which they operate
An awareness of different roles, functions, audiences and consumers of photography, preparing students for further study and employment
Course Details
Component 1: 90 marks available, 60% of Final Mark
You will be expected to complete a range of skill based
workshops looking at the formal elements of Fine Art Photography: Film Photography and Alternative Processes; Digital Photography and New Media.
You will develop your Personal Investigation portfolio to a
sophisticated depth and breadth, continuing to work closely with a designated photography tutor who will be responsible for setting and marking your work each week as you are set specific tasks. You will create a personal theme to fulfil the expectations of the unit of coursework. You will be required to work in one or more of the disciplines to communicate your ideas and extend your understanding of the scope of photography. You will be expected to conduct extensive, focused and academic research into your Personal Study
with a related written study of between 1000–3000 words
completed in the second year of study. The Personal Study comprises 12% of the total qualification and is marked out of 18. During this second year, you are encouraged to build upon skills and techniques learnt in order to produce a more considered body of work. The emphasis is on personal independent creative work, supported by regular feedback. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to work from a life model. All work will be graded by the Photography Department before being moderated by an external moderator.
Component 2: 72 marks available, 40% of Final Mark
Your final assessment is the Externally Set Assignment which
starts at the beginning of February of your second year. You are given a set starting point or theme and are expected to develop a body of preparatory work over eight weeks, followed by a 15 hour examination. During the 15 hour
period of sustained focus under examination conditions,
students will produce final outcome(s) extending from their preparatory studies in response to the Externally Set Assignment; this is normally spread over three days. Portfolio work must cover all four Assessment Objectives and will
be marked by your Photography teachers before being
moderated by an external moderator.
We celebrate the work of our students each year with an
impressive exhibition.
How will it be delivered and assessed?
Please see course content above.
Entry requirements
An Art related background is essential and all applicants will be expected to have studied either Photography or Art (or the equivalent) to GCSE Grade 6 or above. You will need access to a DSLR camera as it will be essential for coursework assignments; a printer will also be useful.
