Art and Design (Photography)

Course summary

Creativity is becoming one of the most important skills in today’s society. The future is constantly changing to adapt to developing technology and a pupil’s ability to think creatively and innovatively is increasingly important. The Drama and Art Building at Queen’s College offers some of the best facilities in the South West. The spacious, superbly lit studios offer specialist teaching facilities for fine art, printmaking, photography, textiles and ceramics. There are well-equipped rooms for GCSE pupils whilst each A Level pupil has their own exhibition and working space. Head of Department, Rebecca Cade, Teachers of Art, Laura Burgoyne and Sandra Spall, and the Art Technician, Alison Luisi, have specialisms in textiles, painting, printing, ceramics and mixed media, and are all practising artists. As a Photography pupil, you will be involved in personal enquiry and expression involving the selection and manipulation of images. You will employ creative approaches which go far beyond mere observation and recording. Digital Photography is taken to another level and experimenting with what you create is essential. The A Level course builds upon knowledge, understanding and the development of skills through research, experimentation and critical and contextual understanding. You will generate practical work, ideas and research from primary and contextual sources and then present your outcomes based on themes developed from personal starting points. In the second year of the course there are two-linked elements, each with separate final outcomes – practical work and personal study. The development of these is shown through supporting studies; your innovation and creativity will be essential as will be your own, strong, personal identity. The externally set assessment is again based on one broad-based thematic starting point and plenty of guidance is given to you through the preparatory period.