A Level Photography

Photography is an increasingly popular subject and one in which Blatch 6 students have consistently achieved high grades. The course is very practical and teaches a wide range of traditional photographic and darkroom skills, as well as digital and computer-enhanced photography. Students learn through their research about the history and styles / genres of photography and about famous and contemporary photographers. They are encouraged to visit photographic exhibitions, both locally and in London.

Students do not need their own camera to study photography – the College has a limited number available for loan; however, most students do prefer to buy their own. The college has two well-equipped darkrooms, a studio with tripods, lenses, flashguns, studio lights and backgrounds, plus a computer suite dedicated to Art and Photography which is equipped with software for image editing and manipulation. We aim to ensure that no-one is barred from this subject through financial constraints – so we only ask students to pay the cost price when they use our A3 photo-quality digital printer and for photographic film or paper obtained from us.

For the AS course, students produce a portfolio of work consisting of one or two practical coursework projects, on a topic or topics of their choice, which can be supplemented by additional work showing the development of their photographic skills. The portfolio is worth 50% of the AS marks. In addition, there is an externally-set practical assignment, chosen from 5 titles, with an 8 week lead-in period plus a 5 hour unaided and supervised practical exam; this is worth 50% of the AS marks.

A similar pattern is followed for A2; the portfolio is renamed a ‘personal investigation’ and requires, in addition to the practical and research elements, a written essay of between 1000 – 3000 words. The externally-set assignment is chosen from 8 titles and culminates in a 15 hour spanned practical exam. The coursework and exam elements each contribute 50% of the A2 marks.

In recent years, at least five students have forged a career in professional photography as a direct result of studying this subject at Blatch 6. Many others have undertaken university courses in photography, art, media and journalism.

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