Photography
A-Level Photography & GCSE Photography
The full title for the Edexcel A Level and GCSE course is ‘Photography, lens and light-based media’. The rationale central to Photography is to engage students in an activity that is enjoyable and relates to their own interests or life experiences. All project work is therefore ‘tailor made’ to suit each individual’s working practice. Lessons are mostly practical; building, right from the beginning, on skills needed for the coursework and final exam. Photoshop skills are an intrinsic part of learning about digital photography, and are therefore taught throughout.
Students work through a themed title in a sketchbook such as ‘Sanctuary’ or ‘Organic Form’ for their coursework, looking at the work of other photographers for contextual reference. Photographs linked to this theme are then taken independently, printed and presented in books and on design sheets. Reflective and analytical annotation of images is an important element to the course. This practice continues for the exam when a new topic is given by the board to enable students to prepare over a few months.
Students are shown how lighting is the most important element in photography, used in a variety of ways. The following areas are taught:
* Making appropriate use of colour, line, tone, shape, texture, pattern and form.
* Showing work appreciation of viewpoint, composition, depth of field and movement.
* Responding to an idea, issue, concept, theme or brief.
* Making appropriate use of the camera, lenses, filters and lighting, film and/or digital techniques.
* Using appropriate techniques related to downloading, image manipulation, printing, presentation, layout and mounting.
There is an expectation to research and make personal responses to 3-6 photographers for each unit. For the course, equal attention needs to be given to developing photography in relation to their conceptual theme, to experimenting and demonstrating through practical work a variety of skills and techniques; to recording first hand relevant subject matter and to finally presenting a final piece or series of images that concludes the project.
Trips outside the classroom to varied locations will be made as a group to learn and practice new techniques. Visits to Galleried and Museums are also taken to introduce the work of others first hand.
If students have AS Photography from another exam board and wish to continue to A2, we can either make the conversion or continue with the existing one if they wish to re-take only one unit.
Tuition is friendly, supportive and responsive to changing needs. Class sizes are small, so that a lot of individual help is given.
Photography is a very versatile subject and is able to complement a range of educational and vocational opportunities. Courses in Art and Design welcome experience of photography and many universities see the subject as an unusual option for recording and/or investigating applications.
Examination Board Edexcel
Tutor Marina de Stacpoole BA (First Class Hons), PGCE, MA