Photography

EdExcel

Photography is everywhere! Almost every aspect of our lives is touched by some form of photographic image. So what is Photography – a Science, an Art, a factual record of the world around us, or an opportunity to create an equivalent world shaped by your imagination?

On the Paston Photography course you will be able to discover where your interest lies within the broad spectrum of photographic styles and techniques. The course is taught by a practising artist and a professional photographer. Student achievement is outstanding, with the department recognised as the national top performer in 2010 by the A-level Performance scheme. Ofsted say that Paston “students produce creative and often ambitious pieces of work in Photography.”

AS Photography

In AS Photography you will:
• Learn the essentials of camera craft, from making your own camera, to processing and printing your own film, to ways of exploring image capture and manipulation through to the use of digital processes.
• Have the opportunity to explore themes and techniques towards making a series of final pieces.
• Make connections with the work of other photographers and artists through guided and self-directed research.

Assessment

Coursework and one examination consisting of research and practical work which leads to a resolved piece done under timed conditions.

Entry requirements

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE including English/English Language, Art/Photography and Mathematics or a science.

If you have not taken Art or Photography at GCSE you can still apply but you will need to bring to interview 6 photographs demonstrating your interest in this subject with a sentence explaining what you have tried to do in each photo and a 300 word review of the work of Richard Avedon or Simon Norfolk.

A2 Photography

Having gained confidence and a sense of your own creative identity from the AS course, the A2 course will enable you to refine your skills and take on greater challenges:
• Deepening your technical and expressive awareness of Photography.
• Carrying out research into the work of a photographer of your choice, which will lead to an extensive piece of research and an extended essay.
• Learning how to analyse an image and carry out research.

Assessment

Coursework and one examination consisting of research, practical work and a finished piece done under timed conditions.