Why choose A-Level Photography?

A-Level photography is a broad ranging course that explores a variety of processes and disciplines, providing strong taught elements as well as the opportunity for independent thinking and personal expression. During this A-Level, you will use darkroom facilities and techniques, Single Lens Reflex (manual) cameras and film, digital cameras and image manipulation software and produce a variety of different styles of photographic work including Photograms, solarised photographs, Photomontages, multiple exposures, dyed and toned photographs and more. The course allows students to develop a personal approach and style, and promotes the ability to think independently and experiment in their work, generating extremely different and individual work. Students who study photography learn to see the world in a totally different way, and that awareness is readily applied to many other career avenues such as Art, Media, Graphics, Publishing, Journalism and so forth.

Course Outline

The A-Level in Photography at Castle Manor Business and Enterprise College is delivered by the OCR awarding body and is a modular course. The course is assessed 60% on the coursework element, 40% on the exam. At the conclusion of the first year (AS) there is a five hour examination, and at the end of the second (A2) there is a 15 hour examination. The coursework is assessed at the end of each unit, and there are interim assessments half termly. Students are expected to have their work in school and prepared for examination when needed. The projects students will undertake comprise of an ‘Experimental' project, a ‘Personal investigation' and a ‘Personal project', as well as the exams.

Resources and facilities

Students on A-Level Photography have access to a brand new, fully equipped dark room, film processing equipment, Digital cameras, Photoshop Elements (for editing and modifying images), A new media suite facility with computers, cameras and lighting equipment, a large Personalised learning area (in which to conduct research tasks) and large teaching areas. Students are expected to supply their own photographic paper (for use in the darkroom during the ‘Experimental' unit), a portfolio folder and sketchbook and a few other simple necessities.

Careers and progression

A-Level Photography provides an ideal springboard for students who intend to study Photography at degree level, and also provides skills that are key to those who intend to pursue Media, journalism and many other paths. Students who would like to study Art and Design at National Diploma, Higher National Diploma or Foundation level before continuing on to Degrees will find it invaluable.

Entry requirements

Students should have obtained a grade 'C' at GCSE Art, or should be able to provide a strong enough portfolio of work for examination. Students must have a conscientious and committed approach to work and an ability to work in a creative and intuitive way.

Course Results

Assessment on the A-Level Photography course is rigorous: last year 2 students achieved a grade ‘B', 3 achieved a grade ‘C' and 3 achieved grade 'D'.

Enquiries

Please address all enquiries regarding the A-Level Photography course to Mr Edward Clark via Castle Manor Business and Enterprise College or e-mail to E.Clarke@CastleManor.lpplus.net.