Photography

Sixth Form > Our Pathways

Photography

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

Photography

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

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Wood Green Academy is one of Sandwell’s longest-established and highest-achieving Sixth Form Centres. 

Course Overview

Students are required to work in at least two of the following areas of Photography. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas:

 
Topics Covered
  • - 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)
 
Course Leader of Photography

Miss Liversidge

Entry Requirements

Sixth Form Entry Criteria: 

A minimum of 5 9-5 GCSE grades, which must include a grade 5 or above in either English Language or English Literature. 

 
Special Entry Requirements:
  • 5+ in a creative subject (Art / Media / Design Technology) 

 

Students must be prepared to work long hours outside lesson time to regularly review the topics covered.

Assessment Information

There are 4 components; two each year.

 

Year 12

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

 

Year 13

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 1Portfolio96 Marks60%
Component 2Examination96 Marks40%
Non-Exam AssessmentSet by AQA, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre.Visits will normally take place in June. 

Progression Route

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.

How do I prepare? 

Recommended Reads
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
Useful Websites
The National Portrait Gallery Explore Website
The Royal Photographic Society Explore Website
Download Wider Reading List for Photography
Photography Wider Reading List
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Photography Activities - How to Prepare for A Levels
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Course Leader of Photography
Miss Liversidge kerry.liversidge@woodgreenacademy.co.uk

Wood Green Academy is an 11-19 over-subscribed National Support School specialising in Sport, Maths and Computing.

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