Subject Information

Course Summary

Learners will be introduced to a variety of experiences and techniques when exploring a range of photographic disciplines. They will explore a range of media, techniques, and processes, including traditional and new technologies. Over the course students will explore relevant genres of working, exploring different working styles. We will gain inspiration from the work of others including photographers and artists both past and present. Students will draw for purpose and annotate to share their thoughts and opinions about their own work and the work of others. Responses to these examples will be shown through practical, written and spoken activities which demonstrate the learners understanding of different styles, genres, and traditions.

Students Suited to the Course

• A personal interest in photography and an understanding of why art and design matters.

• Experience of the work practices of individuals, organisations, and creative and cultural industries

• Understanding of art, craft, and design processes, associated equipment and safe working practices

Course Description & Structure

Area of study

Candidates should work in one or more areas of lens-based and light-based media such as those listed below. They may explore overlapping and combinations of areas:

• Portraiture

• Landscape photography (working from the built or natural environment).

• Still Life photography (working from natural or manufactured objects).

• Documentary photography, photojournalism, narrative photography, reportage.

• Fine Art photography, photographic installation

• Photography involving a moving image (television, film, and animation).

• New media practice such as computer manipulated photography and photographic projections.

Assessment Format

Students will be required to work independently and actively in sketchbooks, or presentation boards and design sheets. Homework will take several forms including research, photographs, drawing, and collecting and willbe set regularly. This course also requires specialist media and sketchbooks. Work will be marked regularly, and students are expected to respond to feedback, both written and verbal so that they make improvements to their work. Throughout the course students will complete coursework and controlled assessments. Students say the most challenging thing about this subject is ‘Meeting deadlines as there is a lot of independent work and getting it all completed to a good standard is important’

Assessment Methods

60% Coursework (component 1)

40% Externally set (component 2/ the exam element).

Possible Progressions

After students have completed this course, they will be able to study A Level Art and Design with or without a photography focus at Brigg Sixth Form. At present, most students wishing to take art or design (Photography) further may also go on to do a one year ‘Foundation’ course at an art college or college of further education before applying for degree courses in more specialist areas of art and design. Students may wish to do an art photography GCSE for its own sake, perhaps to form the basis of a future interest or as part of a range of other subjects.Alternatively, students might wish to go into a job where it is useful to have had experience of photography, art, craft, and design, or where they will need to use some of the skills developed during this course. These might include careers in such fields as advertising, marketing, design, architecture, publishing, and the media.The study of Photography can also help students develop transferable skills that they can take into any career or job. Success in photography requires determination and dedication. Achievement in photography will support employment in the creative industries, advertising, illustration, graphic design, textile design, teaching, and fashion

Useful Websites

The Tate, Student Art guide, BBC Bitesize, Pinterest

Contact: Miss Mather