Photography

A-Level Photography is part of the same umbrella of qualifications as Art and Textiles. It is a two-year subject for girls who are creative and have imaginative minds.

The assessment objectives are worded so they can be equally interpreted across the different courses. It is recommended that girls should have already achieved a grade 6 or above in a ‘creative’ GCSE; however, any previous experience of presenting a creative subject is advantageous.

The course will fully cover digital photography and the moving image. There will also be an opportunity to try traditional chemical techniques using 35mm film and the darkroom facilities.

The course runs over the course of Lower and Upper Sixth and comprises of two final assessed units in Upper Sixth.

Course content

Lower Sixth:      

A portfolio/body of evidence.

This aims to demonstrate new skills, understanding and the development of ideas and experimentation.

While learning about techniques and the more complex issues regarding the controls on SLR cameras, students will be given a variety of photographic assignments to carry out. These will focus on different aspects of both the commercial world and artistic use of photography. Girls will work in a journal/sketchbook that acts as a basis to a comprehensive portfolio of their work.

Contextually they will produce a historic time line that will include major changes in the medium onto which they will be also expected to add examples of work by photographers they have studied. Girls will be taught basic cropping and colour balancing skills as well as advanced post production techniques including Photoshop re-touching and multiple-layered compositions.

Upper Sixth:

• Personal investigation (60%) including a written related study
• Externally set task (40%)

Girls who consider continuing to art college will be helped and advised in the creation of a portfolio suitable to their application/course, application statement, reference and interview technique.