A Level Photography (Block A)

Applications Open: - Friday 7 November 2025

Applications Close: - Sunday 15 February 2026

Entry Requirements: - Dependent on course

How to Apply: - Please visit our website to make your application using the Applicaa system https://www.welcometonsfg.org.uk/sixthform/

Student profile

This course is for students who embrace opportunities to capture the world around them. The course will suit students who enjoy taking and editing photographs and are able to take creative risks with their ideas. Students will enjoy working with a wide range of media, in particular digital media and processes. Students will need to be hardworking, motivated, resilient and able to manage their time both in and out of the classroom.

Why this course?

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

Incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work, and a personal study

• Students will learn how to use the camera to respond to a range of subjects, themes and stimuli. They will develop their understanding of depth of field, shutter speed, focal points, and viewpoints. They will learn how to explore and communicate a range of creative ideas taking inspiration from a range of contextual sources. They will learn how to use Adobe Photoshop to alter, manipulate and refine ideas to develop a range of outcomes. Students will have the opportunity to explore a theme of their choice and will create a portfolio of work based on this.

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

Incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and the 15–hour period of sustained focus.

● The Externally Set Assignment is released on 1 February and contains a theme and suggested starting points, students will use this to create preparatory studies to create a portfolio of practical work

● During the 15–hour period of sustained focus under examination conditions, students will produce final outcome(s) extending from their preparatory studies in response to the Externally Set Assignment.

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

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

GENERIC A LEVEL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: 5 GCSE'S 4-9, including English Language

SUBJECT SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Grade 4 in English Lit or Lang, Grade 6 in GCSE Art or equivalent desirable

• Further education courses such as the BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma

• Higher education courses such as BTEC Higher National Diplomas in photography, art or design subjects, or direct to a BA Honours degree

• Apprenticeships or other training in a photography or design related sector

• Employment in a related sector.