The A-Level Photography course explores creating visual meaning through photography by an expressive or interpretive response to still and moving imagery through lens based media, experimental photography and digital editing.

Photography will enhance students who are creative in mind, providing an opportunity to explore communication of ideas responding at all levels, Students need to have a genuine interest in the subject and be very self-motivated, working upon initiative and completing work outside the timetable structure in order to reach their full potential in response to the work of others.

Career paths include Photo Journalism, Wildlife Photographic, Photographic stylist, Animator, Press Photographer, Fashion Photographer and Photographic Assistant.

Course Content and Methodology

The A-Level Photography course will allow you to explore and create visual responses to a personal brief using lens based media. As part of the development process, you will be given the opportunity to develop your practical work and ideas through digital photography, darkroom techniques and digital editing.

Throughout the two years of the A-Level you will acquire practical, technical and analytical skills to help you understand the process of creating high quality work, culminating in personal and reflective final outcomes.

You will be encouraged to submit work towards international photography competitions, such as the Sony Photography Awards, in which Lincoln Minster School recently gained success in the Youth Category.

Assessment

Exam Board: OCR Assessment A-Level Components H603/01

Component 1: Personal investigation

60% of total A-Level

Candidates should produce two elements:

1. A portfolio of practical work showing your personal responses, brief scenario or stimulus devised and provided by the candidate or centre (96 out of 120 marks
2.  A related study is a written component with a guided minimum of 1,000 words supported with practical evidence. (24 out of 120 marks)

This component is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Component 2: Externally set task

40% of total A-Level

The early release paper is issued on 1 February and will provide you with a number of themes, each with a range of written and visual starting points, briefs and stimuli. From these, you must select one, upon which to base a response.

Externally set task (80 marks) 15 hours

This component is internally assessed and externally moderated

Course Requirements

The A-Level Photography course explores creating visual meaning through photography by an expressive or interpretive response to still and moving imagery through lens based media, experimental photography and digital editing.

Good ICT skills and previous experience in photography are advantageous but not essential. An inquisitive mind and enthusiasm for the subject are recommended.

The nature of Art and Design requires students with a genuine interest in the subject and a high degree of self-motivation. A large amount of the work for assessment is completed outside the timetable structure.

You must be keen, well-motivated and be able to work on extended research assignments. If you have an aptitude for the subject and if you are creative you may have the basic skills to succeed, but hard work and determination is the key to success.

Students who have not done the subject at GCSE, can still access the course. Students should have an aptitude and flair for the subject, as well as demonstrate the basic skills to succeed. However, hard work, commitment and determination are the key to success in this dynamic and exciting subject.

Facilities