Photography at Yateley is now 100% digitally based; students use DSLR cameras and learn how to manipulate the aperture and shutter speed functions in order to produce both correctly exposed and imaginative photographs. Although students will gain some experience of Photoshop as they progress through the course, this is not a course that offers Photoshop tuition; the aim of the course is to produce good/great photographers, not graphic designers. No prior knowledge of photography, or GCSE in the subject, is needed but it is essential that students have an interest in the subject and a creative mind-set. It is expected that all students will develop an independent style of working and those considering studying the course need to ensure they have time during their weekends to go out and take photographs. 1: First year: A Level Students will begin by completing an initial 7 week period of introductory exercises. These exercises are intended to familiarise students with the workings of a digital SLR camera, understanding how apertures and shutter speeds can be used to produce creative imagery. Following the autumn half term, students will then work towards applying what they have learned in a series of short projects designed to test their creative thinking and newly acquired photographic skills. At the end of the year students will be formally assessed for their suitability to progress onto the second year of the course following the completion of a 12 week ‘mock exam’ project. Second year: A Level Component 1: Independent Project This unit consists of one independent project based on an idea of the student’s choosing - this project begins in September and finishes at the end of January the following year. In this unit candidates must show greater maturity and depth of understanding in their photographic skills, subject knowledge and understanding. Evidence of increased investigative, analytical and evaluative skills is expected. In addition to their portfolio, students are required to produce a 1000-3000 word investigation or evaluation of their project. Component 2: 10 weeks – Externally set assignment This is an externally set assignment that provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate the photographic skills, techniques and knowledge gained in Component 1. Students will be given a preparatory period, during which they will develop their own ideas relating to a chosen starting point, set by the AQA. During this time students are expected to work without the help of the teacher for at least 15 hours (broken up into 3x5 hour invigilated periods spread over 2 months).
To study A Levels you need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 5+.
The course is 100% coursework assessed. Although there is no final ‘written’ exam, students are expected to evaluate the progress and development of their work in written forms throughout the course.
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | Hampshire |
| Ofsted Rating | Good |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| Address | School Lane, Yateley, GU46 6NW |
Photography at Yateley is now 100% digitally based; students use DSLR cameras and learn how to manipulate the aperture and shutter speed functions in order to produce both correctly exposed and imaginative photographs. Although students will gain some experience of Photoshop as they progress through the course, this is not a course that offers Photoshop tuition; the aim of the course is to produce good/great photographers, not graphic designers. No prior knowledge of photography, or GCSE in the subject, is needed but it is essential that students have an interest in the subject and a creative mind-set. It is expected that all students will develop an independent style of working and those considering studying the course need to ensure they have time during their weekends to go out and take photographs. 1: First year: A Level Students will begin by completing an initial 7 week period of introductory exercises. These exercises are intended to familiarise students with the workings of a digital SLR camera, understanding how apertures and shutter speeds can be used to produce creative imagery. Following the autumn half term, students will then work towards applying what they have learned in a series of short projects designed to test their creative thinking and newly acquired photographic skills. At the end of the year students will be formally assessed for their suitability to progress onto the second year of the course following the completion of a 12 week ‘mock exam’ project. Second year: A Level Component 1: Independent Project This unit consists of one independent project based on an idea of the student’s choosing - this project begins in September and finishes at the end of January the following year. In this unit candidates must show greater maturity and depth of understanding in their photographic skills, subject knowledge and understanding. Evidence of increased investigative, analytical and evaluative skills is expected. In addition to their portfolio, students are required to produce a 1000-3000 word investigation or evaluation of their project. Component 2: 10 weeks – Externally set assignment This is an externally set assignment that provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate the photographic skills, techniques and knowledge gained in Component 1. Students will be given a preparatory period, during which they will develop their own ideas relating to a chosen starting point, set by the AQA. During this time students are expected to work without the help of the teacher for at least 15 hours (broken up into 3x5 hour invigilated periods spread over 2 months).
To study A Levels you need a minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 5+.
The course is 100% coursework assessed. Although there is no final ‘written’ exam, students are expected to evaluate the progress and development of their work in written forms throughout the course.