IntroductionWelcome to the Photography A-Level course overview page. The course is linear, which means that you study for two years finishing at the end of Year 13 with a full A-Level qualification.
Is it right for me?
Perhaps you are someone who has always just enjoyed taking pictures on your smartphone or can easily operate a basic camera but want to expand your technical knowledge and develop your artistic eye? Maybe you already have an dSLR camera but haven't quite got around to understanding how to use all the functions? Whatever your relationship to photography, you need to be curious and open to being challenged both technically and conceptually. Despite its scientific origins, Photography is taught as a creative practical subject and so the idea of expressing yourself through this medium must appeal. It becomes more than a hobby when you study at this level. What is Photography?
Photography is essentially about capturing light using mostly lens-based media. It is broad enough to involve the use of cameras, computers or even just light sensitive paper. AQA, the exam board we use, refer to the following possible processes, defined generally by genres: 'portraiture, location photography, studio photography, experimental imagery, installation, documentary photography, photo-journalism, moving image: film, video and animation, fashion photography' We teach photography as an area of study within the Art & Design A-Level so it is based around helping you to develop and realise your own artistic ideas. We will teach you fundamental technical skills so you can confidently use the camera and edit images using the Adobe Suite. We also teach you how to think creatively, analyse the work of others and develop your own ideas through photography. Photographers think just as hard about the exhibition and presentational display of their work, such as whether it is a book, framed print or even installation, as their actual images. At School 21, we will teach you to experiment with ways of presenting. Each student will automatically have a personal set of frames on display that they are responsible for curating throughout the year, along with specific exhibition spaces at the end of independent projects. Why study photography?
Now that is an existential question! It is worth considering what you want this question to really answer as we all hope for something different. However, I'm going to assume that the general wellbeing that comes with being creative and practical is enough of attraction for most students, but you might be curious to know it if it can give you a career? If you consider that the creative industries brought in over £80 billion last year GDP with businesses like graphic design/advertising, TV, film, fashion and product photography, animation, etc., then there are clearly opportunities. To put that in perspective, that is more than oil, gas, life sciences, automotive and aeronautics industries combined. Making money is not as important as finding your passion at this stage. Remember, you won’t take all your subjects further after A-Level and you might even return to some of them in many years after making your millions. That said, all routes, especially at A-Level, have a trajectory towards a job sector and, if you do well, people will want to work with you! One thing to bear in mind is that the course will be as demanding as all of your other A-Levels (which is why they get the same level of qualification). We'd love to have you on the course when you are ready for a challenge, want to explore your creativity and take lots of pictures. Finally, here is one of those trendy lists to help you make that final decision. Entry RequirementsTo study A-Level Photography, you must have completed a visual practical subject such as GCSE Photography, Art, Textiles, Graphics or Product Design and achieved a Level 6 or above. This is to give us the confidence that you have some grounding in working through projects in a similar creative way. However, if you feel that you have evidence of photographic work from the past and can demonstrate your ability, then please consider applying. We are looking for people with the right attitude and aptitude.
EquipmentThere is one unavoidable but essential cost when studying this course, which is that you will need to invest in a camera. Due to some of the advanced settings you will need to use, it is important to purchase a dSLR (Digitial Single Lens Reflex) camera body and lens with carry case. Our studio cameras and lenses are made by Canon and so we recommend students to buy Canon dSLR cameras so we can loan out peripherals. This is not compulsory and will not be a problem if you do not purchase Canon, just give you the potential to loan more equipment.
To purchase a dSLR camera can vary enormously in cost so it is worth knowing exactly what you need to purchase: Essential - a camera that has the following manual settings: Speed, aperture and manual control (and Bulb if possible) - ISO (sensitivity) control - Exposure +/- control - a carry bag that can fit battery, charger, lenses, etc. Desirable - a built in horse shoe for attaching a flash/mic or connection to add external flash - interchangeable lens I.e you can remove and swap for another lens There are many other pieces of equipment that can be purchased but we will stock some for loaning to try and keep the costs down. If you join the course, we can instruct you wisely on what to purchase if really necessary. RecommendationsSince our loaning equipment is Canon, we are going to recommend (Sept 2018) this new mid-range camera, the Canon 4000D, which is around £325 all inclusive.
This is not the cheapest Canon camera, especially if you buy second hand but a safe option as is new and probably has a longer guarentee. If you are prepared to buy discontinued ranges or second hand such as the one before the 4000D called the Canon EOS 1100D Digitial SLR Camera (With 18-55mm lens kit), then you could pick up cameras around £200.
Be aware that some Canon cameras are dSLR but do not have interchangeable lenses. For example, the Canon SX540 HS PowerShot Camera looks like similar to the 4000D, but the lens is built in: In such a case, you really could get any other brand. Realistically, the low end of the dSLR market is around £250-350 with a 18-55mm lens included. You might get cheaper buying other brands and that won’t be a problem if you do, it just limits being able to loan our lenses, but not other equipment.
Amazon.co.uk is not a bad place to look to purchase if you know what you want and there are a number of second hand options which look tempting. Just check they have guarantees. Other recommended high street retailers: John Lewis (Oxford St), Jessops and local to you. Online, you have lots of choice ,just know what you want. Financial Hardship
If the costs are just too high and you are still very keen to do the course, then please get in touch with the sixth form directly. There may be a way to loan, spread costs or subsidise but it depends on personal circumstances. |
Course StructureComponent 1 - Personal Investigation
The first component, which is set and marked by your teachers, will be split into a foundation course made up of workshops and trips up until the end of the Easter term, which introduces you to some of the basic technical skills and threshold concepts (Nichols/Francis) that have preoccupied photographers over time. This gives you both the technical capability and contextual understanding for you to explore your own work in more depth. This is followed by two independent projects that are developed from the summer term in Year 12 until the end of autumn term in Year 13. You will also complete a written study linking your research to your own work. Component 2 - Exam Project In the Spring Term, you will be given an examination paper by AQA with a number of titles that you can choose from. This will form the starting point for your final project of the course. You will have 10-12 school weeks to develop and evidence your work towards a final outcome(s). Since this is the first year School 21 has offered photography, we have a selection of photos from our current Year 12s during a short photography module. To see examples of photography by students in my previous school where I was Head of Photography, please click the button below:
- Mr Hoeben, Head of Art & Design Further InformationIf you would like to ask any questions specific to the A-Level course, please do contact Mr Hoeben, the Head of Art & Design, by clicking here.
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