Art and Design (Photography)

Course summary

Year 12: Component 1: Foundation skills Students work through a series of technical workshops designed to develop photographic skills. They learn how to; capture images in a variety of lighting conditions, explore angles, composition concepts, depth of field and focusing techniques. Students then progress to editing and learn to enhance and manipulate their images using Adobe Photoshop. Students are also encouraged to manipulate photographs through other means, and can create pieces combined with artistic techniques, using a range of materials. In the past, students have then been able to create 3D installations and sculptures using these techniques, encouraging further creativity. Throughout the year students work both in the studio and outside in natural light. They investigate different themes and purposes of photography looking at documentary, advertising, staging, portraiture, still life and artistic photography. The practical work will be informed by critical research and investigations into the work of professional artists and photographers from a range of times and countries. Work is refined and organised into a portfolio which will demonstrate skills in the four assessment objectives, outlined below. Year 13, A Level: Component 1: Personal Study, 60% of A Level marks: Students work through a series of technical workshops designed to develop photographic skills. They are then guided through the writing of a research question based on an area of interest. They will write an essay which is also assessed as part of their A Level personal study work. They learn to interpret photographic work in a more meaningful way, investigating key periods or themes of photography. Students select their preferred techniques and refine their practice, developing their own style and ways of working. They present their practical work which is assessed against the four assessment objectives; develop, experiment and refine, record observations, and present. A supporting essay (1000-3000 words), providing a critical analysis of their work and the work of relevant artists and photographers, is also presented for assessment. Component 2: Exam, 40% of A2 marks: Students develop a personal response to an exam question, the exam concludes with a 15 hour practical. All the work they produce is assessed against the four assessment objectives, outlined below.