This document provides guidance for Year 13 students on their personal investigation project. The project requires students to conduct an in-depth exploration of a self-selected theme through a series of photographic works supported by a 1,000-3,000 word essay. Students are advised to select an imaginative and original topic they can research through various sources and artists. They will produce their own creative photographs in response and analyze their work and related sources. The project aims to demonstrate students' most advanced technical and conceptual skills through independent work, with support from tutorials and feedback.

2. Year 13 is a personal investigation
into a theme, issue, idea or
photographic problem that you are
interested in. It is a further unit of
practical, visual photographic work
this time supported by an
essay(approximately 1-3000 words).
The study is entirely self generated,
though you will be asked to
complete visual and written tasks to
deadlines, to support the progress
of work.

3. The personal study should provide evidence of your most advanced work so far,
both technically and conceptually.
You will be learning to work in a completely self directed way, though will continue
with support through tutorials, workshops and class discussions.
Be imaginative, original and creative with the choice of topic. Select a subject that
you can research and will be possible to produce an extended investigation into.
Think where you may find research material and artists supporting it.
You will need to link the topic to artists/photographers/film makers.
You will be producing your own creative photographic work in response to these and
be analysing both.
Consider whether you will be able to produce an extended series of fascinating
visual work alongside the written research.

4. A01
Develop ideas
through
sustained and
focused
investigations
informed by
contextual and
other sources,
demonstrating
analytical and
critical
understanding
A02
Explore and select
appropriate
resources, media,
materials,
techniques and
processes
reviewing and
refining ideas as
the work develops
A03
Record ideas,
observations
and insights
relevant to
their
intentions,
reflecting
critically on
work and
progress
A04
Present a
personal
response that
realises intentions
and, where
appropriate,
makes
connections
between visual,
and other
elements,
The Assessment Objectives….
Marking…
Getting a good grade is only possible by covering all of the marking criteria.
You can be the most talented artist there is but if you do not have the
sketchbook and work to back up your final pieces you will get very few marks.

6. Deadline: Monday 9th September
DISCUSS YOUR
SUMMER WORK TO THE
CLASS. WHAT HAVE
YOU LEARNT AND WHAT
CAN YOU USE FOR
YOUR PROJECT?
Over the Summer you have a great opportunity to get shoots taken for
your Personal Project which is worth 60% of your A Level!
1 Take ‘Shoot Two’ (this should be a refined shoot of ‘Shoot One’)
2 Find two Photographers/Artists that link your chosen theme.
Combine their two styles and concepts to inspire ‘Shoot Three’
3. Go to AT LEAST one exhibition collect leaflets, takes notes and
take photographs (London suggestions… The Photographers Gallery,
Getty Images, Photofusion Gallery, Michael Hopkin Gallery, Hamiltons
Gallery, Beetles + Huxley, National Portrait Gallery and Tate Modern)
In your double lesson this week and for home learning create at least a
double page on your second shoot. Title this:
Shoot 2 (Shoot 1 refinement)
Inspired by (add Photgraphers/Artists)
-On the first page add your Photography/Artist inspiration. You may briefly
mention your first Photographer from ‘Shoot One’
-On the second page print your contact sheet and annotate fully
Use the ‘How do I… analyse a photographer’s work?’ + ‘How do I…annotate my contact sheet’ hand out for support

7. You have got new support
sheets this year which we are
hoping will clearly guide you
with how to take your shoots,
how to present and analyse
photographers and your work.
Please make sure this week
you read through them
carefully and begin to use them
for the first tasks you have
been set this week.

8. It is really important that you keep
up to date with your Essay as it
counts towards your final grade.
Every Wednesday your teacher will
check through your essay… so you
MUST make sure you bring your
draft with you every Wednesday.
This will help and support you with your progress.