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The Howard Partnership Trust (THPT) is a Surrey based Multi-Academy Trust, comprising four secondary, six primary and two special schools with two further under development. We are proud of our ethos of collaboration and inclusion, "Bringing out the best" in students of all abilities and backgrounds. Visit website

Part of The Howard Partnership Trust

Art - Photography

Specific Course Entry Requirements

Grade 5 in English and/or and a grade 5 in an Arts GCSE

Examination Levels Offered AS and A-Level
Examination Board Edexcel

A-Level
Photography A-level is linear and will run as a two year A-level. In Year 12 students will learn a variety of photographic and contextual skills, including darkroom, Photoshop, alternative processes and digital editing. Students are encouraged to develop their own ideas into independent studies which will include studying photographers and artists to develop their own intentions. Students use a wide variety of Photographic media to realise photographic artworks. Students are expected to offset some of the  expense of the course by contributing to materials and may have their own camera, preferably an SLR with a manual option. 

Year 12
Students learn to develop and refine a variety of photographic skills with reference to a variety of photographic image making techniques. After an initial unit studying Technical skills, students embark on their own project on a given theme which is the start of the Personal Investigation. At this point students will develop ideas conceptually and creatively with reference to relevant artist and photographer studies to guide them. Various Photographic techniques such as Cyanotype, Wet processing, Photoshop, Photomontage and studio work are all explored to develop a final piece. Students record their learning and experiences in a sketchbook which must contain all experiments and written annotations. 

A wide range of media and techniques will be explored; students will secure  sound knowledge of how to interpret contextual sources. Students will need to explain the development of their ideas through both written and visual information, submitting all research  and final piece for the art exhibition. This will be the foundation for their A–level.

Year 13

Unit 1 - Personal Investigation - Internally Set - 60%:
Origins – a personal investigation incorporating both visual contextual and written elements. This will take the form of a portfolio of work. Students are encouraged to develop their own personal style and to develop a high level of skill within their chosen specialisms. Students must demonstrate greater maturity and depth in skill, knowledge and knowledge gained from Year 12.  Staff will also advise and help to organise portfolio work for students who wish to apply for further education within the Arts. 

Unit 2 - Externally Set - 40%:
This assignment is aimed at assessing the students ability to work independently in response to a chosen starting point carrying out investigation, developing ideas and realising intentions referencing contextual and critical sources  Students will need to submit all of their research work and their final outcomes, which will be carried out over 15 hours in exam conditions. 

 

 


Staff Contact:
Mrs K Potter - kate.potter@oxted.thpt.org.uk