Specification:

Edexcel 9PY0

Qualification type:

A Level

Entry criteria (GCSE grades):

5 in Art

Subject description:

A Level Photography courses will explore artwork using darkroom and digital imaging. Photographic techniques are used to convey messages and create works. Practical studies involve the selection and manipulation of images. Students will employ creative approaches that go beyond mere observation and recording. Work journals will be used to record ideas, experiments and research.

Year 1 Components: Component 1 Coursework

Students will produce a journal incorporating recording from primary and contextual sources and photographic experiments and final outcomes as a realisation of their research. Photographic experiments will be presented in a sketchbook format, showing progression and development of ideas. A developmental task will be set in January to generate ideas and practical exploration in response to a given theme that students will personalise. This will be evidenced in sketchbooks and a range of larger outcomes.

Year 2 Components

Component 1 Coursework

Practical work continues to provide opportunities to pursue your own ideas in a chosen area of Photography. Students are required to produce a body of photographic work and a personal study in written form as an essay. Students will develop a clear line of enquiry towards a final outcome that is a summary of their A level course demonstrating, skills, concepts and links and connections to research.  The essay will link to students' ideas and development.

Component 2 Externally set assignment

A paper will be set in January to create practical explorations in response to a given theme. Submissions must include preparatory studies and a final timed outcome which is produced over a period of 15 hours.

How the course is assessed:

A Level is assessed by marking of practical evidence produced to cover four assessment objectives.  Component 1 is worth 60% of the final grade, Component 2 is worth 40% of the final grade.

Post-18 opportunities:

Foundation Studies in Art & Design, Degree in Art & Design, Photography, Film and Art History, work in galleries, education, film, media, advertising, journalism, and studio work.

Teacher responsible: Miss L Crofton.