AS/A Level Art and Design (Photography) Ref: 57658

What you will study

This is a mainly digital course, and in a series of four units (two in each academic year) you will be introduced to a variety of photographic techniques. The programme does not aim to build your skills as a photographer, nor is it primarily designed to develop Photoshop skills, but is an opportunity to develop visual and creative skills via exploration, development and use of cameras, enabling you to prepare a workbook which will be used to assess your achievements for the AS and A2 components of the full A Level. Using photography as the medium, you will develop creative concepts, experiment with and explore creative ideas, techniques and processes, record the evidence in your workbook and arrive at a meaningful conclusion.


Your Course Structure

Classroom: 20%; Practical: 80%

How you will learn

Through a series of lectures and practical activities, you will receive tuition on the fundamental principles of photography which include time, aperture and light. You will then undertake theme based projects which you can interpret in any appropriate manner, using photography to generate and develop your concepts. Your workbook should demonstrate a creative journey, including each developmental stage and explorative technique used and reference to the work of other photographers, artists or crafts persons.


How you will be assessed

AS Unit 1 - Coursework Portfolio

This will consist of the activities from the initial lectures on the photographic principles and two further themed projects. It may include written materials, such as journals, reviews, and historical background; materials such as film, video, photographs, CDs and evidence from the internet; books, visits to galleries, museums, exhibitions etc. The evidence of your creative interpretation of the themes must be contained in a workbook and you should aim to meet all four of the assessment objectives.

AS Unit 2 - Externally set Assignment
This unit emphasises the development of ideas. You will select one out of a choice of five questions to use as a starting point, and after a period of initial research carry out five hours of unaided, supervised work leading either to finished pieces or work of a developmental nature.

A2 Unit 3 - Personal Investigation

Practical unit with written elements in which you will develop an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a finished piece of work and a 1,000-3,000 word written document.

A2 Unit 4 - Externally set Assignment

You will select one question out of a choice of eight to use as a starting point. After preparation, you will complete 15 hours of unaided, supervised work leading to a finished piece or pieces.



Entry Requirements

Five relevant GCSE passes at grades A* - C, one of which must be in a creative subject that can be used to provide a platform on which to develop the skills required by the AS/A2 Photography programme. You will also need Level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications. If you do not have the relevant level of qualification, we can assess your current level of literacy and/or numeracy.



Course Costs (subject to change)

Tuition and certification are free if you are aged 16-18 years old. Related additional costs may include materials, equipment, visits, residentials etc which are payable by all students.

It is recommended that you purchase memory sticks or suitable storage media to hold your photographic work. You will also need to purchase an artist's sketchbook in which to build your working portfolio of evidence.
Any student entered/registered with an Awarding Body who has been given free entry and then withdraws or is withdrawn by a tutor will incur the certification fee associated with the course. Any re-sit examination will incur a cost.

Different fees apply to international students.