Students learn how to use a camera, computer, film and darkroom to create images by using their own ideas and by researching the work of great photographers.

Course content:

Year 12

Students will learn how to use the camera and image manipulation software, composition techniques, lighting, creative use of the camera, shooting film and using the darkroom to process and print. They will research key photographers – both historical and contemporary – and learn how to analyse photos to develop their own work, developing a book of their research and experiments.

Year 13

Students will make a book of work on a personal project chosen by them. They will write an essay (approx. 2,000 words) on a topic of their choice that links to their personal project.

Assessment criteria:

60% coursework / 40% exam

Exam = 15 hours

From February, students will develop a body of work on a theme issued by the exam board. In May, they will spend 3 x 5-hour sessions in exam conditions making a final outcome that showcases the skills and knowledge personally gained during the course.