Photography

Throughout this creative course you will explore the full range of photographic practice and techniques, from how to compose the perfect shot to how the post-editing process can bring your images to life. A level Photography will help you produce work to a professional standard that can be used in a portfolio which will be exhibited in an end-of-year show.

What is photography?

Photography is both an art form and a powerful means of communication. On this creative course, you will experiment with the full spectrum of photographic approaches — from capturing striking images using professional techniques to refining your work through thoughtful digital editing. You will build a personal portfolio that demonstrates your technical skill, creativity, and understanding of photographic style, preparing you for further study or creative industry pathways.

Why study photography?

Photography gives you the opportunity to develop your creative voice while mastering technical expertise. You will learn to shoot and edit across a range of genres and themes, exploring how light, composition, and narrative shape meaning in an image. You will also study the cultural, historical, and social contexts of photography, understanding its influence in modern media, advertising, and fashion. This blend of practical and analytical study helps you see how photography connects to the wider visual world and inspires original artistic expression.

Who is this subject for?

This course is ideal for students who are visually curious and enjoy creative problem-solving. You should have an interest in exploring how images tell stories, a willingness to experiment, and the motivation to work independently. An eye for composition and attention to detail will help you succeed, alongside enthusiasm for learning new skills and developing your own visual style.

You will learn in a supportive, creative environment equipped with digital cameras, editing software and studio resources. The course includes practical workshops, local and national gallery visits, and talks from guest photographers and industry professionals. You will gain experience in all stages of the photographic process — from concept to capture to post-production — and receive expert guidance in preparing a professional-quality portfolio.

What will I study and how is it assessed?

In Year 12, you will take part in a series of short projects and workshops exploring key themes such as:

• Portraiture

• Architecture

• Still life and product photography

• Landscape and natural forms.

• Street and documentary photography

• Narrative and concept-based work

You will build confidence using cameras, lighting, and editing software, while developing a personal approach to visual storytelling.

By Year 13, you will apply your skills to larger, self-directed projects and refined creative outcomes.

• Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%)

You will design an independent project based on an agreed theme, producing a sustained body of practical work supported by a written personal study (approximately 1,000 words), which explores context, research, and creative development.

• Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%)

You will respond to a brief set by the exam board, developing ideas through experimentation and producing a final resolved piece during a 15-hour supervised session. This is your opportunity to demonstrate independence, originality, and technical skill.

Assessment is entirely coursework-based, with marks awarded for your digital portfolio and final practical outcomes. Your progress will be evaluated through ongoing project work, creative experimentation, and a final externally set project in Year 13.

Grade 4 or above in either GCSE Photography, Art, Graphics, or a Design Technology subject or obtain a BTEC equivalent, plus a genuine enthusiasm for photography.

If GCSE or BTEC is not studied, a comprehensive portfolio will be required for assessment by our staff.

A Level Photography provides a solid foundation for creative higher education and careers. Many students progress to degree-level study in Photography, Art & Design, Media, or Visual Communication. The analytical, technical, and creative skills developed are also valuable in fields such as journalism, marketing, advertising, film, and digital media — or for those aspiring to freelance or run their own photography business.