Photography encourages freedom of expression and is about communicating ideas thoughts and feelings with others as well as documenting moments through the medium of photography. The course offers learners the opportunity to try traditional and modern techniques whilst mastering technical aspects such as Photoshop and how to use a DSLR camera with skill. The specification studied is the OCR Art & Design: Photography A-Level and may be taken alongside Textile Design Art Craft and Design Graphic Communication and/or D & T Graphics. The course is largely digitally based but students are given the opportunity to produce some work in the darkroom and are encouraged to experiment with mixed media processes. First Year During the first year of the course students will complete a series of workshops alongside shorter and longer projects to explore and experiment with several different methods of image making; developing the photographic and creative thinking skills needed to work independently in the second year. This year is about building up your skills and being able to truly enjoy and understand the magic of photography. There are internal deadlines and assessments but there are no exams in the first year.