ART AND DESIGN:PHOTOGRAPHY - lens-based and light-based media (ARTF)

Photography is part of our Art Department. Click here to find out more about our Art Department and its facilities.

Syllabus: AQA AS 1206F A level 2206F

The course is designed to enable you to develop personal responses to ideas, observations, experiences, environments and cultures in practical ways.

Subject content for Photography (ARTF)

Introduction

Candidates should be introduced to a variety of experiences exploring a range of photographic media, techniques and processes. They should be made aware of both traditional and new technologies.

Candidates should explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to Photography and a wider range of art and design, from the past and from recent times, including European and non-European examples. This should be integral to the investigating and making process. Their responses to these
examples must be shown through practical and critical activities which demonstrate the candidates’ understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.

Candidates should be aware of the four assessment objectives to be demonstrated in the context of the content and skills presented and of the importance of process as well as product.

Candidates should use sketchbooks/workbooks/journals to underpin their work where appropriate.There is no specific requirement for candidates to demonstrate drawing skills in this endorsement unless they wish to.

Candidates may use traditional methods and/or digital techniques to produce images.

Areas of Study

Candidates are required to work in one or more area(s) of Photography, such as those listed below. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas.

• portraiture
• landscape photography (working from the urban,rural and/or coastal environment)
• still-life photography, working from objects or from the natural world
• documentary photography, photo journalism
• experimental imagery
• photographic installation, video, television and film.

Skills and Techniques

Candidates will be expected to demonstrate skills,as defined in Section 3.5 of this specification, in the context of their chosen area(s) of photography. Candidates will be required to demonstrate skills in all of the following:

• the ability to explore elements of visual language,line, form, colour, pattern and texture in the context of Photography
• the ability to respond to an issue, theme, concept or idea or work to a brief or answer a need in Photography
• appreciation of viewpoint, composition, depth of field and movement; time-based, through such techniques as sequence or ‘frozen moment’
• the appropriate use of the camera, film, lenses,filters and lighting for work in their chosen area of Photography
• understanding of techniques related to the developing and printing of photographic images,where appropriate, presentation and layout.

Knowledge and Understanding

Candidates must show knowledge and understanding of:

• how ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and artefacts created in the chosen area(s) of Photography
• historical and contemporary developments and different styles and genres
• how images and artefacts relate to social,environmental, cultural and/or ethical contexts, and to the time and place in which they were created
• continuity and change in different styles, genres and traditions relevant to Photography
• the working vocabulary and specialist terminology which is relevant to their chosen area(s) of Photography.

What examinations will I have to take to get my qualification?

Unit 1: Portfolio Unit - 50% of AS, 25% of A Level
You will be introduced to a variety of experiences exploring a range of photographic, media, techniques and new technologies. You will also be made aware of both traditional and new technologies. This means that, amongst many other techniques, you will be making use of the dark room to develop your own images as well as producing digital work.

Additional work will be aimed at developing particular technical skills or knowledge of the work of other artists, designers, crafts people or photographers. There will also be increased opportunities for experimentation, the development of skills and critical and contextual awareness.

Unit 2: AS Externally Set Assignment - 50% of AS, 25% of A Level
This work takes place from the beginning of February until May. You will be given 5 broad starting points and can produce finished work or work of an experimental nature. During this period of time you will be given 5 hours of supervised time which follows an initial period of research.

Unit 3: A2 Personal Investigation - 25% of A Level - No time limit
This will include written work alongside practical elements. The written material should be between 1000 – 3000 words, but the written material can take on a variety of creative forms.

Unit 4: A2 Externally-set Assignment - 25% of A Level
You will be able to select from 8 starting points. Suggestions of relevant photographers and image makers will be included on the exam paper to help and guide you in every question. The exam lasts for 15 hours and is usually spread over 3 school days. This extended amount of time will allow you the opportunity to produce work in greater depth.