Photography

Photography is offered exclusively as a level 3 AS/A2 course in years 12 and 13 with OCR.

We will be working in conjunction with the local university and practicing photographers to offer an understanding of working practice and further education in this field.

Students will be using traditional darkroom techniques as well as digital technology and computer based manipulation on PC and MAC platforms.

Candidates will demonstrate a strong ability to:

• research and investigate a theme.
• Critically analyse and respond to photographers in the field of advertising, fashion, art etc.
• experiment with a variety of photographic and mixed media techniques.
• plan and produce a final outcome
• annotate and reflect using art appropriate terminology.

Visits to local and national museums and galleries, plus the chance to meet and work alongside practising photographers are all part of the unique Photography experience offered at the Thomas Aveling School.

Over the course of the year students will complete a course work unit along with an exam, the exam paper will be provided approximately 6 weeks before culminating in a 5 hour exam.

Throughout the year students will be taught to produce highly innovative, creative and independent work of a personal nature.

AS Units

Unit F410-F416: Coursework Portfolio

• Candidates produce a portfolio of work from starting points, topics or themes determined by their centre.
• The focus is on including work that shows exploration, research, acquisition of techniques and skills.

Unit F421-F426: Controlled Assignment

• Candidates select one starting point from an early release question paper.
• Candidates are to be given a minimum of three weeks at least in which to plan and prepare.
• Candidates are then given five hours of controlled time to work on developing their ideas to realisation(s)/outcome(s).

A2 Units

Unit F431-F436: Personal Investigation

• Candidates submit one major project that has a personal significance.
• The investigation includes a related personal study that must be between 1000 and 3000 words.

Unit F441-F446: Controlled Assignment

• Candidates select one starting point from an early release question paper.
• Candidates are to be given a minimum of three weeks at least in which to plan and prepare.
• Candidates are then given 15 hours of controlled time to realise their ideas into a final outcome or outcomes.