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ART & DESIGN (PHOTOGRAPHY LENS AND LIGHT BASED MEDIA)

AS/A LEVEL (EDEXCEL)

 This course is taught at Joseph Rowntree School and is offered as an AS level and an A-level

COURSE CONTENT

AS COMPONENT 1

PORTFOLIO (50%).

This course will have an emphasis on digital image making. It is designed to develop your ability to use photographic images as a means of communication. You will be given a title to explore; using photography to investigate the theme and then develop your own specific area of interest. You will take, edit or manipulate images that express an idea or point of view. You will keep a folder of work that records how your ideas developed and present a set of final images that bring the project to a conclusion. The work is very practical and very personal.

After an initial period of learning about the theory and technology of photography, a starting point is set, for example ‘Decay’.  Students choose an aspect of that title and take a series of investigative photographs.  We will learn from other relevant photographers and experiment with digital manipulations.  This information is organised and presented and used to develop proposals for final work.  The best ideas are taken forward to finished pieces.

 

AS COMPONENT 2

EXTERNALLY SET ASSIGNMENT (50%).

The work in this Component follows a similar pattern except the starting point is set by the board.  The Component is kick started by set activities that lead to more independent work. This component incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and a 10 hour period of sustained focus.

 

A LEVEL COMPONENT 1

PERSONAL INVESTIGATION (60%).

This Component begins in the summer term Y12 with a chance to learn more about how to use your camera. There will also be work on how to express your opinion about Photography. In September of Y13 a very broad starting point is set, which students will explore and use to generate project proposals. These personal projects will be supported through individual tutorial and practical guidance. This Component also requires students to write a 1000-3000 word study on a subject related to their practical work.

 

A LEVEL l COMPONENT 2

EXTERNALLY SET ASSIGNMENT (40%)

The work in this Component follows a similar pattern except the starting point is set by the board.  The Component is kick started by set activities that lead to more independent work. This component incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and a 15 hour period of sustained focus.

 

ASSESSMENT

Each Component is assessed by end of course exhibition. Students display the work for each Component separately at the end of the year. The work is initially assessed by your teachers. This assessment is checked by a moderator appointed by the exam board.

 

FUTURE STUDY / CAREERS

 We are increasingly surrounded by photographic images. It is the dominant means of communication in magazines, newspapers, web-sights, adverts, film and television yet it is hardly studied at school. An understanding of this omnipresent media will become an essential survival tool in the 21^st century as our communication becomes ever more screen based. There are many career opportunities for the photo-imaging industry.  www.skillset.org/photo/careers/ 

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

 It is essential that you have access to a digital camera outside of school. You will need to be computer literate. It is an advantage, but not essential to have studied GCSE Art and Design. Successful candidates are those who are enterprising and able to organise what they need for photo-shoots.

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