PHOTOGRAPHY

LEVEL 3: A LEVEL
EXAMINING BOARD: OCR

This course will provide you with a broad introduction to traditional and digital photographic techniques and processes.

You will learn about the historical and contemporary influences within Photography as both an art form and as a commercial field.

You will be set themed assignments and live briefs to help you build a creative and professional portfolio of varied styles of photography and digital image manipulation.

You will be taught in our Photography Suite with access to the studio and darkroom. 

You will have the opportunity to visit national and international places of interest for research purposes.

 

Year 1

In your first year, you will develop your skills. There are seven to eight different assignments that cover all the techniques and processes needed to succeed in your second year.

You will learn:

  • how to develop ideas and concepts in response to given briefs and themes
  • how to gather relevant research to guide and inform your project
  • how to use industry-standard software and traditional design processes to develop, refine and achieve outcomes of professional standard and quality.

Year 2

In your second year, you will begin to specialise through two modules.

Module 1 Personal Investigation (60% of overall mark)

This is a practical project you will set yourself.

Although guided and supported by your Teacher throughout and informed by the experience gained during Year 1 of the course, you will decide and determine which direction you want to take your major project in.

This coursework-only project contains a written component equivalent to an academic essay.

Module 2 Externally-Set Assignment (40% of overall mark)

The awarding body will provide a set of seven exam themes, from which you will choose one to respond to.

This practical, coursework-based unit is approximately nine weeks long and concludes in a 15-hour exam.

As a minimum, you will need (or equivalent to):

  • GCSE Mathematics grade 4
  • GCSE English Language grade 4
  • plus three more GCSEs at grade 4

Ideally, you will have studied a creative subject at GCSE, such as Photography, but this is not essential. 

With the exception of a 15-hour exam, all work is practical and coursework based.

All work is assessed once projects have been submitted for a given deadline, with constructive and detailed feedback being provided to assist in the improvement of coursework and the further refinement of skills.

Students have gone onto university to study a range of creative subjects, including Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Illustration, Fine Art, Media, Marketing, Animation, Photography, Web Design, Product Design, Interior Design and Architecture.

Others have chosen Foundation courses in Art or a National Diploma in a design subject.

Alternatively, many pursue Apprenticeships in the creative industries.

Is expensive camera equipment needed?

No camera equipment is required, DSLR cameras, lens, tripods etc can be loaned from the department. Having your own camera is an advantage but not essential.

Are there other course costs?

Yes. You will be expected to pay for some digital printing and mounting of your work.

A typical cost is between £20 and £40 per year.

A  £20 photography kit is also required, this includes a portfolio for your images and SD cards with a storage case.

Please contact our Bursaries and Finance team if you wish to discuss any concerns about accessing this course. 

Are there many opportunities in the creative industries?

The Creative Industries are one of the fastest-growing economic sectors in the UK.

Organisations now pay great attention to their visual profiles, what product or service doesn’t use an image in some way? There are many careers in which this qualification will be of benefit to you.