KS5 - Art & Design: Photography
A Level (AQA)
Photography is visual. A photographer uses the technology of the camera and the computer to produce images that communicate imaginative, emotional or intellectual ideas.
The A level Photography course will teach you how the camera records the light (and dark) and how the computer can manipulate that visual data. It will develop your understanding of composition, colour and tone and how these elements can be used and controlled. You will gain insights into the ways in which we understand and are influenced by images.
- Over the two years of the course you will learn about:
- Composition - How to arrange elements in your photograph
- Lighting – using and controlling
- Camera settings – exposure and focus
- How to use Photoshop
- Developing your own photographic ideas and style
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
Students will be assessed regularly throughout the course. Assessment will be on both underlying skills and knowledge and against exam assessment objectives.
EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT
There are two components:
Component I
Personal Investigation In which students select a subject or topic to investigate.
Component 2
Externally set assignment. In which student select from a list of 8 topics set by the AQA. In each component the folder of development work and final photographs are exhibited for assessment. Work is assessed first by the school and then by an AQA moderator.
Final assessment is controlled by criteria set by the exam board which emphasise the whole creative process from initial ideas through phases of development to the final photograph. Presentation of development work is therefore essential.
a level photography detailed course breakdown.pdf