Photography

The Photography Department aims to provide an exciting and rewarding exploration of Photography that will enrich a pupil's life at Lancing and help them build learning power.

It aims to give them a high degree of visual literacy that they will carry into their adult life regardless of whether they propose to follow a career in a creative industry. The Department has a firmly established identity and has transformed dramatically since its small beginnings in 2005. The photographic facilities are truly outstanding with both traditional and digital media being supported and encouraged.

About the Curriculum

There is no archetypal Photography pupil and historically we have taught pupils from a diverse range of backgrounds and photographic experience but who are motivated and excited about the possibilities within subject. For those wishing to specialise within a creative industry, A Level Photography can be a stepping stone for entry to Foundation courses as well as direct entry to the most competitive photography and design-based degree courses.

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of qualification)

The Personal Investigation consists of two integrated constituent parts:

  1. A major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative project/portfolio and outcome/s based on themes and subject matter that have personal significance.
  2. An extended written element of 1000 words minimum, which may contain images and texts and must clearly relate to practical and theoretical work using an appropriate working vocabulary and specialist terminology.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of qualification)

Externally Set Assignment consists of two parts:

Part 1: Preparatory Study Period

  • A series of visual and written stimuli are presented to the candidate on or near to 1st February in the second year of the course.
  • Candidates select one stimulus to use as a starting point from which to elicit a personal response
  • Responses are developed during the preparatory study period. They should take the form of critical, practical and theoretical preparatory work/supporting studies which in form the resolution of ideas in the 15 hours of sustained study.

Part 2: 15 hour Period of Sustained Focused Work

  • The resolution of candidates’ ideas from the preparatory work must be completed during the designated 15 hours and show how their planning relates to the outcomes.
  • The period of sustained focus work is undertaken under external supervision.