Photography
The A Level Photography course develops your artistic ability alongside gaining valuable technical skills to realise your creative ideas. The course is designed to fuel individual creative journeys, and drive each student's personal ambitions and interests.
As a department, we continue to explore the value of analogue photography. Students have a wonderful opportunity to learn how to use a fully manual 35mm SLR camera. We commence the course with a traditional piece of kit with the intention of viewing the world with the eye of a photographer. Students learn to expose black and white film, process and print in the wet traditional darkroom. Students throughout the course have access to a digital darkroom with the latest Adobe suite of software, scanners and printers. In the second year, students will gain a technical understanding of how to use the studio and professional lighting.
You will learn about photographers' work, produce independent research and develop your own analytical skills. A work journal is kept that displays the development and experimentation of an idea from inception to completion and is a key element in final assessment. They will be given detailed feedback every step of the way to support and encourage development. Visits to galleries are an essential part of the course to complete the critical and contextual studies element and we both lead trips to current exhibitions and actively encourage students to pursue their own initiative. The Photography Department has benefited from participating in Art Department trips overseas to further engage with the visual arts. Where possible, professional photographers are invited in to talk with our students, to share their practice and pathway into the specialism.
On completion of this course, students will have created a large body of personal work that demonstrates an individual's response to the varied themes set. The culmination of both coursework and exam units enables students to progress on to Art Foundations, Degree courses or into the workplace. Students will conclude the course with not only an A-level qualification but an appreciation and interest in Photography.
Curriculum Information
Enrichment Opportunities
Gallery visits may include: The Photographers Gallery, The V&A, Tate Modern, Saatchi Gallery and an annual, residential overseas trip. Practical workshops with practising photographers or with galleries when appropriate. The Photographers' gallery DEVELOP programme for young 16–24 students.