A Level Photography

You will be encouraged to try a broad range of approaches, which you will then refine into ways of working which suit your individual interests, acquiring and developing specialist skills in your chosen genre.

Independent work is fundamental to the course; at least 50% of all work assessed should have happened outside the classroom.

Homework is set weekly. Initially it is set by lecturers and will be tightly specified and closely linked to class workshops; it will be monitored regularly. As the course develops you will be required to set your own homework/independent work based on agreed learning needs.

Your ongoing work will be assessed in lessons through focused 1:1 discussion. Sketchbook work will be assessed regularly for reflective, thoughtful, analytical critical evaluation and annotation. Emphasis is upon the development towards a final piece, through observation and technical, aesthetic, and conceptual refinement.

You will also be assessed against how your research of art, craft, design, media and technologies in contemporary and past societies and cultures improves your own understanding and practice.

Discussions and presentations are a vital part of our assessment process and you will be expected to contribute to these during your lessons.

Below are the assessment objectives for this specification. Each of these is equally weighted. You must demonstrate your ability in the following:

AO1 Contextual understanding: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

AO2 Creative making: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.

AO3 Reflective recording: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant

to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.

AO4 Personal presentation: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

Assessment will reflect the areas of skill, knowledge and understanding that you demonstrate through your studies. You are expected to hand in a substantial portfolio with an in-depth workbook for all set projects and exam work.

GCSE Art Grade 4 or above (if taken), GCSE English Grade 5 or Humanities Grade 5 along with a keen interest in visual language.

Camera equipment is available to loan from the department, but many students opt to use their own; we recommend Canon models as they will then be compatible with the College inventory. You will have to provide film and photographic paper together with any specialist materials you may wish to use; most of which are available at our college shop. You will be allocated some initial printing credit; however, you must be prepared for expenditure of about £50 per term. The College provides all processing chemicals, printing equipment, and specialist equipment such as studio lighting and tripods.

Independent practice will be supported through PowerPoints, worksheets, and other guides available through our Moodle site. We also provide further support through focused boards on Pinterest. College trips to visit museums and galleries will be offered and we encourage our students to visit galleries both locally and nationally to support their work.