AS Photography
This subject may be offered at more than one Southern Consortium school site. The teaching of this subject may be at any one of the sites listed below.
The information on this webpage is a guide only. Topics, units and course content may vary from those listed below.
AS Photography @SRS
The AS course is made up of 2 units:
a) coursework (carrying 60% of marks)
b) an external set assignment (carrying 40% of marks)
Both these 2 units are delivered through coursework over the year and will be allocated a proportionate amount of time to complete.
The coursework enquiry exploits ICT colour digital imagery, using professional software. Students are expected to take their negotiated personal developments into quality silk-screen outcomes.
An expressive approach builds knowledge and understanding of darkroom practice. Students will become familiar with artistic and technical skills such as composition, viewpoint, depth of field, use of light, tone and contrast, film speeds, paper types, exposure times and the manipulation of imagery. At the same time, there will be opportunities to personalise outcomes through developing individual creative responses.
There is a mandatory requirement that candidates keep a work journal for each of the units. The journals should contain evidence of the personal development of the student’s ideas including reference to the work of a variety of photographers and show an understanding of meanings and context. It should also reflect the candidate’s ability to make skilled and sensitive judgements using imagery and notation.
AS Photography @ EB
Art and Design is suitable for students with an interest in furthering their studies in either Photography or Art.
Students may choose to go on to the second year to complete the full ‘A’ level or opt for the one-year A/S qualification.
Students will learn how to produce sketchbooks, plan and complete projects, produce personal studies on other artists, and prepare a portfolio for examination and application to a College/University.
To complete the A/S Level students must pass three modules. These are:
- a portfolio of work comprising 2 research projects
- a personal study of another artist or designer
- a timed test of 5 hours
To complete the ‘A’ Level students must pass the A/S Level and then submit work for similar modules in the second year. This work will be expected to be of a very high standard.
Students will be expected to contribute to an exhibition at the end of each year.
The Art A/S and ‘A’ Level qualifications are recognised by nearly all Universities and Colleges as an entry qualification for specialist Art courses at Degree Level or general degrees in a variety of subjects. However, many of the over-subscribed degree courses require a year’s Art Foundation course to be completed first.
AS Photography @ DP
The course is a single AS qualification.
Work in photography should form a means of personal enquiry and expression involving the selection and manipulation of images. Students must employ creative approaches which go beyond mere observation and recording.
Unit 1. Coursework Weighted 30%
Unit 2. Examination. Externally Set Assignment. Weighted 20%
Unit 1
At the end of the year all work will be assessed. As well as the practical aspects of darkroom procedures where students will have to learn about and how to mix chemicals, work out exposure times and apply this knowledge to the films they will develop. Students will be expected to be fully conversant with the workings of a SLR and SLR Digital camera and be able to demonstrate this ability in the work that they produce.
Photography is a very technical as well as a practical course. A considerable amount of time is spent learning the ways a SLR camera operates, and the outcomes must be demonstrated and documented at every stage.
Darkroom procedures involve using chemicals and how they are mixed to achieve specific results. All these findings must be documented at every stage. When students are proficient in these areas, they can then begin to work in a more creative and individual way.
The specific nature of the course requires a good understanding of technical information. 100% attendance is essential as lessons, especially in the darkroom, if missed cannot be revisited. Students must be motivated and be prepared to keep extensive log books, note books and records of observations, developments and outcomes. These books must be brought to each lesson. The nature of the course requires a high level of motivation and for students to use their own initiative.