What will students study in Photography this year?

The Key Stage 5 curriculum encourages creativity, sustained investigation, analysis, experimentation, and practical making as a means of developing technical skills and fluency of expression. It guides learners through a programme of study which draws upon their experiences of the world and honours their personal interests while also developing imagination and critical and reflective thinking.  A particular strength of the Key Stage 5 curriculum is its focus on teaching students to innovate, adapt and work independently. Students learn to think critically and analytically; they are supported to experiment and take risks and as a result most will progress and achieve far more in two years than they would have thought possible.

Course content and outline

YEAR 12

• A series of workshops aimed at introducing students to a new, more mature approach to working.
• Exploration of various themes and media, including a more in-depth understanding of the formal elements.
• Substantial guided learning about artists, artistic disciplines and movements; students develop their critical thinking and analytical skills and have the opportunity to study and learn from artists and movements that particularly interest them.
• Participation in workshops run by various galleries in London
• Working to complete a comprehensive themed project

YEAR 13

• Continue working on themed project
• Exam

What are the major assessments this year?

The Pearson A level in Photography is conceived as a two-year, linear qualification.

Assessment incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work, and a personal study.

Component 1: Personal Investigation, making up 60% of the qualification; this is internally assessed, and externally moderated.

Supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from personal starting points.  The personal study will be evidenced through critical written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum 2000 words of continuous prose, which may contain integrated images. The personal study comprises 12% of the total qualification and is marked out of 18.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment, making up the remaining 40% of the qualification; this is  internally assessed and externally moderated.

What do assessments test?

All work is assessed internally, using four equally weighted assessment objectives (AOs).

AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations, informed by contextual sources and other references, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.

AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.

AO4: Present a personal, informed and meaningful response to the theme that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

Whom should I contact for further advice or information?

For more information please contact Mrs Shah, Head of the Visual Arts Department: msypko-shah@carshaltongirls.org.uk