Ability to Research & Record Both Visually and Contextually from a Range of Different
BTEC L3 Subsidiary Diploma in Art & Design (Photography)
Topics covered in year 12: / Core Unit 2: Materials, Techniques and Processes in Art and Design (Photography)
Core Unit 5: Contextual Influences in Art & Design (Photography)
Optional Unit 34:: Image Manipulation using Computer Applications
What types of activities are typical in this subject: /
- Ability to research & record both visually and contextually from a range of different photographic themes & topics.
- Use research & observations to experiment with photographic materials & techniques and to explore different ideas as possible outcomes.
- Development of ideas as the production of final photographs, which show a good understanding of digital manipulation techniques and image enhancing software.
- Make important connections with the work of other artists and photographers who have used the camera to produce innovative and creative outcomes.
How this subject is assessed: / 100% Coursework, which is assessed as 3 separate units of study. Each of the above units will be awarded either a Pass, Merit or Distinction, which will come together collectively to provide an overall grade. The delivery of each unit and points of assessment will correlate with the 3 terms throughout Year 12.
Awarding body & Specification: / Edexcel BTEC L3 Subsidiary Diploma in Art & Design (Photography) in Year 12. (3 units.)
Edexcel BTEC L3 Subsidiary Diploma in Art & Design (Photography) in Year 13.
(A further 3 units of study in Y13 if Y12 has been successfully completed.)
Specification and Units of Study listed.
Useful resources & materials for this subject: / You will find it easier to develop work at home by having some photographic equipment and items. We would recommend a digital compact camera (a DSLR is not essential at this stage as you will have access to one during your lessons.); an inkjet colour printer and some decent photographic paper to allow you to generate your own final outcomes away from school. Over time an A1 Portfolio would also prove useful to help you transport work and present work for interview at College/University. You may also find as you progress with your photography a camera bag and a tripod become extremely useful equipment!
Useful books/magazines for this subject: / There are many books and publications on photography which will help you as a beginner to understand the creative medium better, but do remember the course is all about creative photography as opposed to journalistic or fashion photography. The magazine ‘Digital Camera’ is a monthly publication which is a great starting point for getting you to understand both the camera and digital software techniques, with many tutorials and interesting activities.
Tom Ang is also a photographer who has a series of books which are well worth a look, aimed at different levels and skills.
Otherwise use your own research using different websites!
Transition task to be completed over summer and handed in 1st week back: / Basic Composition and The Rule of Thirds
- Research what we mean by ‘composition’ in Art and how a photographer uses this by applying the Rule of Thirds.
- Produce an A3 sheet of collected images by other photographers to show how the Rule of Thirds has been applied through a variety of subject matter as a basic compositional technique. Use internet research to help you achieve this.
- Once you have a good grasp of the technique begin photographing your own pictures using a variety of different subject matter. Try to use annotation (written notes) alongside your photographs to explain how you applied the Rule of Thirds. To extend the level of challenge try composing your photography around ‘crash points’ and describe how you’ve used these through your annotation. Present your photographs and findings on at least two sheets of A3.
What else you can do to prepare for this subject: /
- Remember that your level of progress and achievement in Art is not based upon revision, but a continual commitment to attendance, working hard and meeting set deadlines.
- To help you achieve the quality and depth of work required at Post 16 you must use your non-contact time and your own time away from school wisely.
- Make Art Club after school a regular feature of your working week!
- Don’t take on too many commitments outside of school, as your priority throughout the sixth-form must remain your academic studies.
Teacher(s) responsible for this subject: / Mr M Cox (Room 200)
Mr S Whitter (Room 201)