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Photography A-Level

Photography A-Level The Bedford Sixth Form

Qualification: A-Level | Exam board: Edexcel

Photography is an ever-expanding medium and is employed in many contexts, including fashion, advertising, journalism, medicine, science and art and design.

This course will examine a diverse range of techniques, ideas and images relevant to the practice of photography. You will have the opportunity to develop skills in traditional and new photographic technologies, through exploration of portraiture, landscape, still life, documentary, abstraction and experimental imagery, in the studio and on location.

You will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of gallery trips to The Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery, The Photographer’s gallery, and a location shoot in Cambridge. A critical study abroad will also be offered.

Photography A-Level The Bedford Sixth Form

Year one content

Component One:

Coursework: Personal Investigation (internally set).

You will be given a theme as a starting point to develop your own project. Sessions will focus on composition, technical skills, idea development, experimentation and contextual links to your individual work.

Incorporates two major elements: supporting studies and practical work.

Photography A-Level The Bedford Sixth Form

Year two content

Component One:

Coursework (internally set).

Incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work and a personal study. supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from a personal starting point. The personal study is evidenced through critical written communication, showing contextual research and understanding, and may contain integrated images.

Component Two:

Assignment (externally set).

Incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and the 15-hour period of sustained focus. You will produce final outcome(s) extending from their preparatory studies in response to externally set assignment, under examination conditions. The 15-hour exam will take place over multiple sessions.

Additional information

What does this course prepare me for?

The course is suitable if you have a GCSE in art and design and would like to develop your practical and creative skills further. It is also suitable if you would like to add breadth to your other academic choices at A-Level.

The course is intended for those who are interested in studying the principles, aesthetics and role of photography as a means of communicating ideas and information. You will be expected to demonstrate this through practical and critical/ contextual activities.

A good A-Level pass in a range of subjects will assist you to progress to higher education or appropriate employment. This subject combines well with A-Level graphic communication, ICT, art & design and fashion & textiles.

Course support and enrichment

You will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of gallery trips to The Tate Modern, National Portrait Gallery, The Photographer’s gallery, and a location shoot in Cambridge.

A critical study abroad will also be offered.

Entry requirements

Some of our subjects are subject to standard entry requirement and some have additional requirements. Please see below:

Subject specific entry requirements

  • 5 in an Art Design subject (a portfolio of previous work may also be requested)

Standard entry requirements

  • At least five GCSEs at grades 9-4 including English Language and Maths (one Vocational or Technical qualification at Merit or above may be counted)

AND

  • At least grade 4 (or Merit for Vocational or Technical qualifications) in any subject(s) that you have taken at GCSE and wish to continue studying at Level 3

AND

  • Average GCSE (best 8) of at least 4 (38 on the old points table)

AND

  • Grade 4 (or Merit), at least, in any subject previously studied
  • Students will take either 3 A-Level subjects or 1 Diploma subject with 1 A-Level
Generic Grand Hall at The Bedford Sixth Form 2021
September 2025

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