Photography
A Level Photography is a creative course that encourages you to develop your technical skills in digital photography, exploring your own ideas and developing your own visual language. Studying Photography can be the first step into becoming part of the UK creative industries, which include Fine Art, Fashion, Photojournalism, Advertising and Film.
At St Wilfrid’s, you will study both contemporary and historical photography, working in a range of genres from still life to portrait. You will learn to master camera operation and post-production editing.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSE's Grade 4+ preferably including art or photography, along with good basic IT skills
Content
The Edexcel A Level course has two components:
| Component 1: | Internally set projects and an extended personal project and essay |
| Component 2: | Externally set assignment and 15-hour timed exam |
You will study a range of photography genres, from still life to portrait. You will develop skills in using a fully manual digital SLR camera, setting up studio lighting and post-production editing using Adobe Photoshop. You will have access to a newly fitted Mac suite and a photography studio.
In Year One, you will complete a range of short projects designed to develop your technical skills and understanding of processes.
In Year Two, you will work on a personal project devised with help from your teacher. You will complete an extended essay and devise your own final outcomes. You will also complete an externally set assignment culminating in a 15-hour practical exam.
Assessment
60% coursework, 40% externally set assignment. Both components are internally assessed and then externally moderated.
Am I right for the course?
If you are a creative, have a passion for the visual arts, enjoy developing your own ideas and can work independently to manage coursework deadlines, then this is the course for you.
Course Highlights
| Hands-on Experience: |
Work in a dedicated computer suite with MACs along with a specialised portrait studio with a professional flash lighting system and access to DSLR cameras and a range of lenses. |
| Personal Development: |
Explore and develop your individual artistic practice, with projects tailored to your interests. |
| Enrichment: |
Showcase your work in a final Year 13 exhibition, opportunities to develop real-world experience by documenting school events, trips to the Photographer’s Gallery London and other relevant and current exhibitions. |
Where Next?
Students who wish to pursue Photography beyond A Level can either go on to study a Foundation Diploma, and then access Higher Education, which is the preferred route for most creative degree courses, or straight on to a Photography degree course or other degree courses in subjects such as media, film, graphics, animation, illustration, fashion, advertising and fine art. The A Level could provide a gateway into a structured commercial career,
The range of specialisms applied for is diverse, but may include Fine Art Photography, Film & Television, Fashion, Animation, Advertising, Commercial Photography, Media & Communication, Visual Communication, Professional Photography, Photography & Digital Imaging and Creative Media Production.
FAQ's
- Do I need my own camera to do the course?
No, we are able to provide access to cameras, although some students find having their own to be advantageous. - Do I need to have completed a GCSE in Photography?
No, we have had many students achieve top grades without first having done GCSE. Being creative and having enthusiasm and a 'good eye' are more important. - Will there be any costs involved with studying the course?
There will be some costs for the printing of a Photobook as evidence of the Year 12 work and final prints for the end-of-course show.
Photography A Level Teaching Staff
Subject Leader for Photography
j.tennant@stwilfrids.com
Photography Teacher
s.youngman@stwilfrids.com