Photography AS/A Level

Photography is an ideal subject for students wishing to follow a path into Media, The Arts and Photographic-related areas.

Nationally there has been a growing interest towards Photography as a course of study and as a career path. This reflects the increased awareness we have today of the role of images and the media in our lives.

The course is taught to reflect the diverse nature of the medium itself.  We look at areas from social documentary and portraiture to fashion and digital photography.

Students are not expected to have any previous knowledge of Photography when they enrol. The course starts with an introduction to the camera and darkroom as well as introducing students to digital manipulation and presentation software.

The first year (AS Level) is entirely practical and students produce two coursework portfolios, one of which includes an element carried out under controlled/timed conditions. The second year (A2) consists of two coursework portfolios and a supporting written piece.

At the end of the second year students show their work in the College’s Art Exhibition.

Students finishing the AS/A Level have gone on to study, amongst other things, Photography, Film, Art and Media at degree level, as well as going on to do Foundation Courses in Art.

A number of recent students have found places on prestigious and respected Higher Education Courses.

We discuss with each student their options for continued education and combine this with trips to Higher Education establishments. We also organise trips to current photographic exhibitions locally and nationally, to give students a broad knowledge of current issues and trends within the medium.

Photography is taught within the Arts Faculty; as such it is taught with student creativity at its core.