A-LEVEL 

Photography is an artistic and technical subject that develops your creativity and practical skills. It helps you to expand your imaginative capacity and technical knowledge; the course will challenge your intellectual and analytical ability. Year 12 runs as a foundation year to build knowledge and skills, with the A-Level following on in Year 13. Across the two years, there are a total of four components of work. Students produce a portfolio of coursework material, which exemplifies work carried out during the A-Level course. Students will also sit a controlled test in both Year 12 and 13.

Subject requirements:
+ Application by Letter (please click on the application guidelines button below for further details), + we would also like to see a selection of some of your own, existing photography that you are proud to show us. Images should show a variety of subject matter and can be presented as a Powerpoint presentation and should be emailed to admissions@swchs.net by no later than Friday 3rd January 2025.

Photography Interviews will take place alongside your Guidance Discussion in February/March.

Teacher to contact - Ms M Davis 
Art Area Coordinator - Mrs C Wyman-Smith 

Course Content:

Year 12
Component 1: Coursework ‘Portfolio’ (September to February) – analogue and digital processes.
Component 2: Internally set assignment, preparatory work from February onwards, plus a ten-hour examination.

Year 13
During the A-Level course you will undertake a ‘Personal Investigation’ that allows you to explore in depth a theme,
concept or idea of your choice, including a compulsory 1,000 – 3,000 word written assignment.
Component 1: 60% of total
A-Level – Personal Investigation (September – February)
Component 2: 40% of total
A-Level – A-Level externally set assignment, preparatory work from February onwards, plus a fifteen-hour examination.

Assessment Criteria:

Assessment Objective 1: Developing ideas/using reference/sustainment
Assessment Objective 2: Experimentation/reflection/technical expertise
Assessment Objective 3: Recording/research/observations
Assessment Objective 4: Personal response

Exam Board: AQA
Endorsed A-Level:
7206/C and 7206/X

Are you interested in:

• Using a 35mm film camera and digital SLR?
• Using a darkroom?
• Photoshop digital skills?
• Studio lighting?
• Photography on Location?

Leading to a career in:

• Commercial Photography
• Art Direction/Digital Media
• Digital Manipulation
• Lighting/Filming (TV, Theatre, Film)
• Photo Journalism

This subject goes well with:

• Media Studies
• Film Studies
• Art and Design
• Graphics