Photography (art) A Level                     

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO START THE COURSE

• 6+ in Art or portfolio of relevant work may be considered

Plus the standard LaSWAP entry requirements for our A level pathway

Please note that Photography is a specialisation within Art A level, therefore it is not usually suitable to take Photography alongside another Art A level (Fine Art, Textiles, Graphics)

YEAR 12 COURSE SPECIFICATION

Photography is a creative and exploratory subject studied as part of Art and Design. It includes digital and analogue photography techniques, encompassing darkroom and alternative processes, digital post-production, studio and location photography, as well as film and video. Photography is explored in all its many forms as a lens- and light-based art medium, allowing students to understand its role as both a fine art practice and its connections to the documentary and commercial worlds. 

Students learn how to use their camera settings creatively and develop an understanding of the formal elements of photography — such as line, tone, colour, texture, space, and composition — and how these influence meaning and mood in an image. You will learn a range of digital post-production techniques using Adobe Photoshop, as well as analogue printing and alternative approaches to presenting work, from traditional prints to experimental and mixed-media outcomes. 

You will study a range of photographic genres, including fashion, portraiture, conceptual, still life, landscape, and documentary photography. Students are encouraged to experiment with materials and processes, take creative risks, and develop personal and meaningful work. 

Throughout the course, students research the work of artists and photographers, analyse imagery, and explore the cultural, social, and historical influences that shape visual practice. Independence, curiosity, and initiative are essential qualities for success. Visits to galleries, exhibitions, and locations play an important role in the course, but students are also expected to plan and undertake independent visits to support their research. 

This is a two-year course consisting of two components: 

Component 1: Coursework — Personal Investigation (60% of the A Level) 

• Autumn Term: Foundation skills focused on core photographic techniques and the formal elements of photography, explored through the theme ‘Memory and Time’. 
• Spring Term: A personalised project investigating photographic genres and individual areas of interest through further experimentation and artist research. 
• Summer Term: Students begin their Personal Investigation project, developing an individual theme of their choice, guided by the teacher through a series of structured workshops. This unit culminates in the creation of a photobook, demonstrating their conceptual development, technical skills, and personal creative journey. 

Students will demonstrate evidence of: 

• Generating a range of ideas. 
• Appropriate research into sources and contexts. 
• Primary recording and analysis of sources and contexts. 
• Sensitive selection and exploration of media and processes. 
• Development, review, and refinement of ideas. 
• Synthesis of ideas and outcomes that connect to appropriate contexts. 

All work is presented through a sketchbook or digital portfolio, supported by a final practical outcome produced under supervised conditions. 

YEAR 13 COURSE SPECIFICATION

Component 1: Coursework — Personal Investigation (60% of the A Level) 

(continued from Year 12) 

In Year 13, students continue developing their Personal Investigation, focusing on a more specific and self-directed theme negotiated with the teacher. 

The autumn term begins with a series of structured workshops designed to help students refine and extend their personal projects. These workshops explore alternative and experimental ways of presenting photographic work, including collage, mixed media, and three-dimensional installations, encouraging students to think critically about how presentation contributes to meaning and audience engagement. 

The year incorporates three key elements: 
a) Supporting studies and practical work — based around the student’s Personal Investigation, documented in a sketchbook or digital portfolio, showing the development of ideas, experimentation, and refinement. 
b) Personal study — a critical and analytical essay of 1,500–2,500 words (worth 12% of the coursework unit and marked out of 18). This written investigation makes clear links to the student’s own practical work, is supported by contextual research, and demonstrates an understanding of relevant social, cultural, or historical contexts. 

Component 1 concludes in January with a 15-hour mock exam, providing students with the opportunity to produce a final outcome under exam-style conditions and consolidate their project before final submission. 

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of the A Level) 

This component incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and a 15-hour period of sustained focus. 

a) Preparatory studies — a portfolio of practical and written development work documented in a sketchbook or digital portfolio, based on the externally set theme released on 1 February. Students have from this date until the commencement of the final 15-hour period to develop and refine their ideas.

b) Sustained focus — during the 15-hour supervised period, students produce final outcome(s) that extend from their preparatory studies, demonstrating independence, creativity, and a resolved personal response to the externally set theme.

LEARNING AND SKILLS

 You will learn how to use your camera manually and work confidently across both digital and analogue photography. This includes mastering traditional darkroom processes, learning how to use studio and location lighting, developing skills in Adobe Photoshop and other post-production software, and exploring a range of experimental and alternative photographic processes. 

Throughout the course, you will also develop strong analytical, critical, and research skills, build your visual literacy, and deepen your understanding of art and photography history, as well as planning and developing creative projects from concept to completion. The first year is fast-paced and requires a high level of commitment, independence, and curiosity. 

The Photography specification offers considerable flexibility and covers four broad specialisms: 

• Lens-based photography 
• Experimental photography 
• Film and video 
• Multimedia practice 

While it is not possible to cover every area in depth simultaneously, students are encouraged to explore and experiment across these disciplines. The current teacher’s specialisms include traditional, digital, fine art, and experimental photography, with a focus on supporting students to develop personal interests and individual creative voices. 

The course is taught by a teacher with over twenty years of professional experience in the photographic industry, including twelve years as an international fashion and portrait photographer. They bring a wealth of relevant industry knowledge and practical expertise, alongside a deep understanding of a broad range of photographic genres. 

This course is designed to prepare students for the creative world beyond school, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and professional mindset needed to pursue their chosen pathways — whether in higher education, creative industries, or independent practice. 

EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT

EXAM BOARD: EDEXCEL

FUTURE PROSPECTS

Students will build a portfolio suitable for art college, creative media placements, and a wide range of photography, design, and digital media routes. The course also provides a strong foundation for university study in photography, film, visual communication, media production, or related creative disciplines. 

Photography helps students to develop essential transferable skills valued by both employers and higher education institutions, including independence, critical thinking, teamwork, initiative, communication, leadership, and time management. 

Throughout the course, individual advice and guidance are provided on foundation courses, creative further education pathways, and direct entry into the creative industries. The focus is always on preparing students for their next steps, ensuring they leave the course with the confidence, technical skill, and professional awareness needed to progress successfully. 

The course prepares students for a broad spectrum of creative careers, including: 
Photographer, Fashion Photographer, Photojournalist, Documentary Photographer, Commercial Photographer, Portrait Photographer, Editorial Photographer, Fine Art Photographer, Studio Assistant, Art Director, Set Designer, Lighting Technician, Digital Retoucher, Social Media Content Creator, Cinematographer, Videographer, Creative Producer, Visual Merchandiser, and Gallery or Curatorial Assistant.