A-Level Programme - Photography

Our A-Level in Photography will enable you to explore a variety of approaches to photography. You will develop an appreciation of different approaches to recording images, such as observation, analysis, expression and imagination, alongside an awareness of intended audience or purpose of images.

On our A-Level programme, you will study three or four subjects. Please apply for three or four subjects and use our course selector here to check what options you can do!

What will I study?

Taught in our outstanding photography suites, with dark rooms and photo studios, you will gain an appreciation of different ways of working, such as installation, portraiture, landscape, documentary and fashion, gaining an understanding of how ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images.

Upon completing the course, you will have knowledge and understanding of the work of others, historical and contemporary developments, different styles, movements and genres and a working vocabulary and specialist terminology that is relevant to the photography industry.

Year 1

Component 1: Portfolio (60%)

During the first half of the year, you will develop a portfolio of images and supporting sketchbook that explores a variety of media, techniques and ideas.

Component 2: Externally Assessed Assignment (40%)

In February you will receive a question paper with a choice of five questions/themes to respond to. There will be a period of 10 hours under exam conditions towards the end of the year.

Year 2

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%) During the first half of year you will develop a personal investigation supported by a written project.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%) In February you will receive a question paper with a choice of eight questions/themes to respond to. There will be a period of 15 hours under exam conditions at the end of the year.

You will need:

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths and, for this specific subject;

• GCSE grade 5 or above in relevant arts subject (Portfolio submission can support application)