Art and Design - Photography
Photography is all around us and has documented the world and how we interact with it for 170 years. The American documentary photographer Dorothea Lange wisely said “The camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera”.
The AQA Photography course will certainly try and do this as well as looking at the social, cultural and artistic context of photography. We have an extensive art and design library with over 3,500 titles. The department has its own IT suite running Adobe Creative Studio as well as an A1 printer and dedicated film scanner. There are also DSLR cameras as well as a range of film cameras including a 5x4 plate camera and a darkroom.
Entry Requirements
Grade 6 in Art, Photography, Textiles, Graphic Design or DT if studied at GCSE.
You do not need your own digital or 35mm film camera, although both would be useful.
Topics Covered
Over the two year course, students will cover the following:
- History of photography
- Contextual studies of photography and photographers
- The creative application of camera skills
- Framing and composition
- How to create a narrative
- Genres – understanding the different topics from fashion, and street photography to still life and Ai.
- How to research a Personal Investigation.
- Writing about images
- Using a darkroom. Processing and printing.
- Use of Adobe Creative Suite.
Lower Sixth
In th Lower Sixth, students will have the opportunity to experience both digital and chemical photographic processes and explore and understand the different genres.
This phase provides the basis for one extensive practical project.
Alongside this work, you will be expected to build up evidence of your awareness of the context of photography within culture to complement and inform your practical work.
Upper Sixth
In the Upper Sixth students will complete the following:
- Personal Investigation
- Externally-set Assignment
Methods of Assessment
Lower Sixth
During the first year of the course, you will have the opportunity to experience both digital and chemical photographic processes and explore and understand the different genres. This phase provides the basis for one extensive practical project.
Alongside this work, you will be expected to build up evidence of your awareness of the context of photography within culture to complement and inform your practical work.
Upper Sixth
Personal Investigation (worth 60%)
This is a practical investigation, supported by written material. Students are required to conduct a practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.
The aim is to produce a significant ‘body of work’ such as you might produce for a gallery exhibition.
Externally-set Assignment (worth 40%)
Students are expected to respond to an externally set range of questions.
This involves a preparation period from February and 15 hour supervised time.
Both portfolios of work are then curated by the students with help from the department in preparation for external moderation.
Other Information
Throughout the Photography A Level course, students will have the opportunity to visit London galleries and masterclass talks. We also frequently invite artists into the school, to give insight into working as a professional artist.
Meet the Staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Art Department, email glp@kes.hants.sch.uk
| Mr. G.L. Piggott | Head of Creative Arts, Head of Art, Design Co-ordinator, School Photographer |
| Mrs. J Corbett BA | Teacher of Art |
| Mr. E.T. Lewis | Teacher of Art, Part-time |
| Mrs. N.A. Moxon
| Art, Extended Studies Co-ordinator |
| Mrs. A Kidman BA | Teacher of Art |
| Miss. E.C. White BA | Art Technician, Kayaking |
