| Course Title | Course ID |
|---|---|
| Photography A Level | PHOT042 |
WJEC Art & Design – Photography
‘The camera is my tool. Through it I give a reason to everything around me.’ – Andre Kertesz
Photography meets the needs of students who have an interest in photography, art, design and architecture and wish to study further or take up careers in any of these fields, whether practical or academic.
There is a focus on students formulating their own ideas from a variety of starting points, subsequently developing their own photography practice including the integration of theory, knowledge and understanding through researching the work of others.
Students will investigate and document a wide range of art and design work and sources. First-hand experience and critical awareness of works of art, design and photography, including studio and street photography, are encouraged via visits to galleries and museums.
Course content
The course will enable students to extend their own and others ways of seeing the world through increased fluency in visual language, materials and techniques.
What Skills Will Students Develop When Studying Photography?
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the basis of digital photography and a familiarity with a range of tools, both software (brushes, cloning, selection, processing) and hardware (printers, scanners, cameras) in the generation and development of ideas. To go beyond the traditional flat print, by using a variety of techniques and settings; these may include montage, printing onto/incorporating other materials/media, 3D constructions, digital development, installations and work presented as visual essays, for example a book may be produced.
Entry requirements
Photography at AS requires at least 5 GCSE’s and it is desirable to have a grade ‘C’ in an art or design subject and experience and/or aptitude in using computer technology.
Assessment
Unit 1
AS (100% of AS 40% of A2)
Coursework
Internally Set
Numerous Assignments to give students a broad understanding of the subject. These include:
Genres: Documentary, Still Life, Portraiture…
Camera Exercises: Shutter Speed, Aperture, Composition, Creating Meaning
Traditional Processes: Pinhole Cameras, Photogram
Digital Techniques: Photoshop Workshops, iMovie, Time Lapse
Throughout these assignments a large proportion of time will be spent looking at Established Artists works, on-location works, Site/Gallery Visits and group critique.
Unit 2
(A2 – 36% of overall A Level)
Coursework
Internally Set
Example Unit: The Sanctuary.
Students produce individual/unique works using techniques and processes developed during Unit 1
Workshops are conducted emphasising modern image manipulation techniques and processes.
This Unit must be supported by a 1000-3000 word study, comparing and contrasting works of others, their techniques, themes etc. It must also include an annotated portfolio.
Unit 3
(A2 – 24% of overall A Level)
Externally Set Assignment
Example:
STRUCTURE & FORM
E.g. Symmetry. Scaffolding & Foundations, Organic, Micro/Macro
Starting Points
Spontaneity of the Moment. Capa, Bresson….
Photomontage – Heartfield, Monroy, Hockney…..
The Landscape – Strand, Brandt, Hurley.
Experimentation: Liquid Emulsions, Etching, Installation, Print Transfers to 3D forms