A Level Photography

Applications Open – Monday 3 November 2025

Applications Close – Friday 13 February 2026

Entry Requirements – Can be found on the course booklet on our website: https://4905753ff3cea231a868-376d75cd2890937de6f542499f88a819.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/bartoncourt/uploads/document/Sixth-Form-course-booklet-2026.pdf

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

A Level Photography students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of photographic media, techniques and processes. Students will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of art, craft and design, from the past and from recent times, including European and non-European examples. This is integral to the investigating and making processes. Students may use traditional methods and/or digital techniques to produce images.

Areas of study

Sturdents 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
• moving image (video, film, animation)

Component 1: Personal investigation

This is a practical investigation supported by written material. Students are required to conduct a personal investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.

Component 2: Externally set assignment

The Externally Set Assignment represents the culmination of the A Level course. The question paper will consist of a choice of eight questions to be used as starting points. Preparatory period – from 1 February. Students should consider the starting points and select one. Following the preparatory period, students must complete 15 hours of unaided, supervised time. In the 15 hours students must produce a finished outcome or series of related finished outcomes, informed by their preparatory work.

Please note: you cannot study A Level Art, Craft and Design alongside A Level Photography

Sixth Form entry requirements including GCSE Art at grade 6 or BTEC Level 2 Art grade Distinction.