Wednesbury
Sixth Form > Our Pathways
Students will be introduced to photography and will be able to develop their photography skills in a number of diverse and experimental ways. This is a creative course, with an emphasis on practical project work, supported by analytical and written elements. Students will have the chance to learn digital photography techniques and digital editing programmes such as Photoshop.
Examination Board AQA
Specification Number 7206
Sixth Form > Our Pathways
Students will be introduced to photography and will be able to develop their photography skills in a number of diverse and experimental ways. This is a creative course, with an emphasis on practical project work, supported by analytical and written elements. Students will have the chance to learn digital photography techniques and digital editing programmes such as Photoshop.
Examination Board AQA
Specification Number 7206
Students are required to work in at least two of the following areas of Photography. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas:
Portraiture
Landscape Photography (Working from Urban, Rural and/ or coastal environments)
Still Life Photography
Documentary Photography
Experimental Imagery
Multimedia
Photographic Installation
Moving Image (Video/Film/Animation)
Miss Liversidge
A minimum of 5 9-5 GCSE grades, which must include a grade 5 or above in either English Language or English Literature.
Students must be prepared to work long hours outside lesson time to regularly review the topics covered.
There are 4 components; two each year.
Component 1: Portfolio
The emphasis of this component will be on the development of understanding and skills using
an appropriate range of materials, processes and techniques.
Component 2: Mock examination
A set assignment with a choice of topics. Preparatory period – 8 weeks with supervised final piece – 10 hours
Component 1: Personal Investigation
This is a practical component supported by written material. Students are expected to develop a personal investigation based on an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a final outcome. This may be a finished single outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. This should demonstrate the students’ ability to sustain work from an initial starting point to a realisation. It should include evidence of their ability to research and develop ideas and link their work in a meaningful way to relevant critical/contextual materials.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment
Students will be provided with examination papers on 1 February, or as soon as possible after that date:
Preparatory work should be presented in any suitable format, such as mounted sheets, design sheets, sketchbooks, workbooks, journals and models.
• Choice of eight questions to be used as starting points. Students are required to select a tone.
• An externally set assignment with a choice of 8 topics. Lead-in Preparatory period – 10 weeks with supervised final piece – 15 hours
| Assessment | Topic Area | Duration | Value |
| Component 1 | Portfolio | 96 Marks | 60% |
| Component 2 | Examination | 96 Marks | 40% |
| Non-Exam Assessment | Set by AQA, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre. | Visits will normally take place in June. |
A significant number of students choose to continue their Photography studies to degree level. There are a wide range of careers gained from a photography degree. These can range from a Fashion Photographer to Video Production.
| Photography" History, Art & Technique | Tom Ang |
| Digital SLR Photography All-in-one for Dummies | Robert Correll |
| Experimental Photography: A Handbook of Techniques | Luca Bendandi |
| On Photography | Susan Sontag |
| Ways of Seeing | John Berger |
| Understanding Photograph | John Berger |
| Masters of Street Photography | Rob Yarham |
| The National Portrait Gallery | Explore Website |
| The Royal Photographic Society | Explore Website |
