Photography A Level Course Outline
Advanced Level 3
Awarding Body: WJEC Eduqas
Study Photography
The UK creative industries were worth a record £76.9 billion to the UK economy in 2013. Growth in the creative industries was higher than in any other UK industry and was three times the average increase in the UK economy during this period.
The sectors, which include advertising, architecture, crafts, design, film, games, publishing, museums and galleries, music, technology and television, are an important source of job creation for the UK.
Studying Photography at St Charles Sixth Form College is the first step to becoming part of the UK creative industries. The skills you will be taught as a photography student at St Charles will prepare you for a diverse range of pathways – whether it be; fine art, fashion, photojournalism, advertising, film, medicine, forensics, etc. St Charles can help you to prepare for the next step, and begin your creative career path.
The General entry requirements for A Level courses are six GCSEs grades 9-4 and above, including English Language.
Grade 4 English and Portfolio of work
Exam Board – EDUQAS
A Level – Delivered in 2 years or in 1 year after completion of the AS Level course. The qualification consists of 2 components – Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of A Level) and Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of A Level). Both components are internally assessed and then externally moderated.
The A Level qualification is assessed against 4 main criteria:
A01: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.
A02: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.
A03: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.
A04: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.
Most students who wish to pursue Photography beyond A Level go onto study a Foundation Diploma, and then access Higher Education, which is the preferred route for most creative degree courses. Many students also progress straight to degree level.
The department has built links with many leading creative universities, and many students gain places at prestigious institutions such as University of the Arts London Colleges (Central Saint Martins, CCW, LCC LCF), Ravensbourne, Middlesex, and further afield in Newport, Edinburgh, Newcastle and many more.
The range of specialisms applied for is diverse, but may include Fine Art Photography, Film & Television, Fashion, Animation, Advertising, Commercial Photography, Media & Communication, Visual Communication, Professional Photography, Photography & Digital Imaging, Creative Media Production.
"like the practical lessons we have in A-Level Photography at St Charles. We are given freedom to explore our own ideas whilst working, allowing us to develop our own style. One of my favourite tasks is working in the darkroom and using the traditional Photography techniques, helping me gain valuable skills and knowledge."
"The environment in St Charles is so welcoming and loving. Being in the class with such helpful teachers and great peers is amazing."
"You get help from your teachers but not only yours but the other art teachers."
"You can always come in and work in free periods even in other students lessons….it’s always flexible."
"We’ve got good facilities. We’ve got a darkroom which lots of places don’t have."
There are many extra-curricular courses and events to get involved in as a student in the Art Department. Recent examples include an in house photography and bookmaking course in collaboration with a local hospital, a Photography course and exhibition at Central Saint Martins, Summer schools in Product Design, Interior & Spatial Design, Fashion Design, Photography and Textiles with Ravensbourne, Chelsea and Camberwell College of Arts, an animation course with the Courtauld gallery, as well as in house life drawing sessions. We also invite tutors from higher education in to offer portfolio advice to support students applying to higher education. See more of our student work, and hear what students have to say about us by visiting our Instagram page:
https://instagram.com/stcharlesart
The Art and Design department comprises of 3 teachers and 1 specialist technician with expertise in a wide range of techniques and processes. Department staff have studied and worked at a number of prestigious colleges including; Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Art, Edinburgh College of Art, London College of Fashion and The Royal College of Art.
All of the department staff continue in their own practice, engaging with contemporary art and design – this includes the following areas; Ceramics, Photography, Jewelry, Fine Art, Illustration, Graphic Design, Product design and Interior Accessories and Games Design.
Head of Department is Claire Hemsley she has been teaching for 16 years. If you have any further questions regarding the courses within Art and Design and Photography please contact her either via email chm@stcharles.ac.uk or via the main switchboard 0208 968 7755.
