A Level Art and Design: Photography

Applications Open: - 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - 31st March 2026

Entry Requirements: - Our Sixth Form entry requirements are five GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the 'A' Level Pathway (in addition to some individual subject entry requirements) and 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above for the Vocational (BTEC) Pathway. The course information gives specific details of course content and entry requirements. Please also refer to the Sixth Form Prospectus for the specific entry requirements for the chosen subjects.

Students need to select the equivalent of 3 A Levels or more. (Triple BTEC counts as 3, Double BTEC counts as 2). Subjects are grouped into option blocks, please be aware that not all combinations are possible.

In addition to academic requirements stated above a place will be dependent on the receipt of a satisfactory school reference.

How to Apply: - Please apply via Kent Choices if you area a student from another school.

Please visit our website www.stanselmscanterbury.org.uk for more information.

Course Overview - Photography

• This option covers a broad and changing area of study within light-based imagery.
• Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of photographic media, techniques and processes including traditional methods and digital techniques.
• Learners might engage with early light-based photography, such as a pinhole camera, as well as the most contemporary.
• They may work exclusively with film based or digital technology or both.
• Students visit museums, galleries to gather research, inspiration and resources.

Skills and techniques the students will learn:

• The ability to explore elements of visual language, line, form, colour, pattern, light and texture in the context of photography.
• The ability to respond to an issue, theme or concept, or work to a brief in photography.
• Appreciation of viewpoint, composition, aperture, depth of field, shutter speed and movement.
• Appropriate use of the camera, film, lenses, filters and lighting for work in their chosen area(s) of photography.

Possible areas of study include:

Students are required to work in one or more area(s) of Photography, such as those listed below. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas:

• Portraiture
• Landscape photography
  
• Still life photography
• Documentary photography, photojournalism
• Fashion photography
• Experimental imagery
• Multimedia
• Photographic installation

• The externally set assignment materials are released to learners from 1 February.
• Each question paper will consist of a choice of eight questions to be used as starting points.
• One starting point is selected by the learner and used to produce a personal response.

• Following the preparatory period, students complete 15 hours of unaided, supervised work.
• Preparatory work and the work produced during the 15 hours will be assessed together.
• Students will be assessed on their ability to work independently, working within the specified time constraints, and developing a personal and meaningful response.

Many students go on to study Art or Photography at degree level. Future careers vary from academic, teaching, working in museums and galleries to working in the media, game design, fashion, textiles, jewellery design, illustration, graphic design, web design, photography, and many more creative jobs.