Photography

Taking photography to another level...

We will be delivering the new AQA syllabus from September 2008

View a selection of Photography work in our Gallery or take a look at our induction overview.

The AQA syllabus allows great scope for the development of a personal approach to image making. This is encouraged through course work and a practical exam. At first you will be taught the basic underpinning theory and practical application of both traditional and digital photography. This is developed later into the study and application of a wide variety of photographic techniques and approaches including: photography as personal expression, study skills and time management, studio work, the history of photography and the critical assessment of imagery.

AS Photography consists of two modules:

Module 1: Portfolio

The contents of the Portfolio will be determined by the nature of the course of study. Students will be asked to choose ONE of the subject areas designated by AQA and study that throughout the AS. These subject areas are quite broad and allow for a wide variety of interpretation to suit the needs of the individual student.

The Portfolio will contain both photographic images and an illustrated workbook, which demonstrates that in-depth research both technical and aesthetic, has taken place.

The whole of this body of work will be set and marked by the College and moderated by a visiting member of AQA in June.

Assessment weighting: 50% of total AS marks/ 25% total A Level marks

Module 2 – Externally-Set Assignment

The student will be asked to choose one topic from a range of five set by AQA. The work must be produce to a specified timescale, which includes 5 hours of unaided supervised work. Again there is a mixture of both practical and academic study, producing a workbook containing research images, notes and a written study and a final portfolio of images.

All the work produced for this Unit will be set by AQA and marked by the College and moderated by a visiting member of AQA in June.

Assessment weighting: 50% of total AS marks/ 25% total A Level marks

Classes, Facilities and Resources

The photography department is part of the recently built Bilborough campus and has two large teaching areas each with E-learning facilities and state-of-the-art Apple Mac suites. The large Black and White darkroom has facilities for both wet tray development and dry-to-dry processing of photographic paper. There is a specialist technician to ensure the smooth running of the department and assist the teaching staff.