Art and Design (Photography)

Course summary

Photography is used to communicate ideas and messages about the observed world. The A Level encourages exploration of different materials, processes and techniques, both formal and experimental. The start of the course is workshop based, teaching a range of Photography Skills including basic and advanced camera functions, studio and dark room processes. You will learn not only how to use your camera to take a good photograph but to understand the technicalities involved and how to explore your own concepts and ideas. After this introductory workshop period, students are encouraged to develop their own specialism and explore their own concepts and ideas free of external constraints while continuing to develop and explore their skills. Students are encouraged to base their work around their own individual identity, incorporating cultural influences or personal experiences and interests. Although most of the assessed work is practical and sketchbook based, there is a separately assessed written essay. This encourages students to explore the work of other artists who inspire them and look at their work in a wider context. It is important to note that Photography at TRC is a pathway that belongs to the Art and Design A Level syllabus and therefore, is a creative and art-based subject and not only media/design technology based.