Course Details

The AS Level photography course concentrates on black and white printing and developing as well as the use of digital images and processes.  The emphasis is on photography as an art activity rather than a technical process - an area of visual communication with personal and social relevance.

If you have an aptitude for the subject, are enthusiastic and self motivated, you will have the basic skills to succeed. AS Level photography is a challenging option and you should be prepared to work hard at developing your abilities. The focus of the work in the first year is development and experimentation.

The skills you will develop will be varied.  Among them you will develop a working knowledge of the materials, practices and technology within photography, including the use of digital photography and computer software.  You will develop the skills to interpret and convey your ideas and feelings.  Also you will develop your imaginative and creative powers and your experimental, analytical and documenting skills, helping to build a specialist vocabulary and the knowledge and understanding of the place of art, craft and design in history and in contemporary society.

The course aims to give students experience in: 

1. The selection and rejection of content
2. Development and printing
3. The manipulation of the image
4. Appropriate scientific and technical aspects of photography
5. The use of photographs as source material for further image making
6. Analytical skills - critically analyse other photographers work

Summary of Content

AS Unit          Coursework Portfolio       60% 0f the total AS

Candidates produce a portfolio of work from starting points, topics or themes determined by the centre.

The focus is on including work that shows exploration, research, acquisition of technique and skills.  

AS Unit          Controlled Assignment    40% of the total AS

Candidates select one starting point from an early release question paper.

Candidates are to be given a minimum of three - maximum of six weeks in which to plan and prepare.

Candidates are then given five hours of controlled time to work on developing their ideas to realisation.

What will you do after the Course?

The course enables access to further study, at A2 or possibly through the production of a portfolio of work, to a foundation course or similar art related course.

Subject Combinations

AS Photography and Art would be a good combination. Photography is also a good additional subject to take within an academic programme.

GCSE entry requirements

4 GCSE Grade C’s or above, to include English and Mathematics.

No previous knowledge of business required

Possible Career Pathways

The course is supported by a range of professional institutes and Further and Higher Education Institutions and, as the course is very varied, it will enable students to progress into both higher and further education, where there is an extensive range of business courses to suit all business interests, or into employment in the broad business sector.