Art and Design (Photography)
Okehampton College - Devon
01837650910
Mill Road, Okehampton, EX20 1PW
Course summary

This is a two-year, fast-paced, exciting course. During the course, students will explore a range of photographic media, techniques, and processes. They will experience both traditional and new technologies. Students will use state-of-the-art Digital SLR cameras, a variety of high-tech lenses, the photography studio, and different lighting and equipment. Students must complete at least 4 hours a week of independent work outside of their allocated lesson time. During this time they will need to organise and take at least one photo shoot per week. This may be in the college studio or on location. Each shoot will be based on a key inspirational photographer, set either by the teacher or one of your choice. You will be taught how to edit your photographs on Adobe Photoshop and by the end of the course, you will have a digital portfolio/ workbook to display your work with annotations and inspiration. You will have the opportunity to work outside on-location shoots. There are 8 digital SLR Nikon cameras, lenses, and studio equipment to hire free of charge. You will sign a form at the beginning of the year confirming that you will replace anything lost or broken. You will need to have your memory stick (4G minimum) and/or external hard drive, card reader, and SD Camera card (4G minimum). You will have to print your final glossy prints at the end of each project, either online or from a photo lab e.g. Jessops, or in-house using Print Workshop. Estimated cost £100 for the 2-year course. It is highly recommended that students have their own digital SLR camera as it gives them greater flexibility when planning their time. Students without their cameras cannot always expect the school cameras to be available when they need them and will have to book them out. This is the case for all schools/colleges. The course provides an excellent grounding for those interested in pursuing a career in the Arts. It will also help students to develop other transferable skills such as analysis, evaluation, the ability to critique, creativity, imagination, and self-confidence; all essential skills which are desired by employers. Students could go on to study any of the following courses; Foundation Art & Design (1yr) Degree in Art & Design – all disciplines (3yrs) Even if you are not planning to take Art as a degree, it can help make your application stand out from other university candidates. Universities may favor applications from candidates who have studied an Arts subject as it shows you can think creatively. There are a huge variety of jobs in creative industries - A fast growth area of British industry, for example: - Photography, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Media/TV, Fashion, Fine Art, Theatre, I.T, Textiles, Digital Engineering, Computer Programming, and Fashion.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 9 to 5 including Maths and English (at grade 5). A minimum of 5 grade 9-5 GCSEs (Art or Textiles GCSE is highly recommended minimum 6 grade.)

How you'll be assessed

Component one: Personal InvestigationThis unit is worth 60%. Students will undertake a foundation project that will develop their knowledge and photography skills in the use of different media, processes, and techniques. They will then select an area to explore for their chosen personal investigation. Students will be expected to try out new ideas and explore their creativity whilst developing connections with the work of other photographers. Component two: Externally set task = 15 hours. This unit is worth 40%. Students will have a choice of starting points set by the exam board (AQA). This is a challenging, fast-paced, and varied course that requires independence. You must have a real passion and enthusiasm for photography to consider taking this course at A-Level.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionSouth West
Local AuthorityDevon
Ofsted RatingRequires improvement
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressMill Road, Okehampton, EX20 1PW