Art, Craft and Design (Photography)

Applications Open: - Friday 28th November 2025

Applications Close: - Friday 6 February 2026 - Please note - If you do not complete your application fully by the deadline of Friday 6 February 2026, we may not be able to consider it until August when GCSE results are published.

How to Apply:

Internal students - Applications to join our Sixth Form, via Applicaa, can be made via this link Mayfield Grammar School, Gravesend (applicaa.com). PLEASE NOTE that you should use an e-mail address that you check regularly as the Applicca system will contact you with updates about your application.

External students - Year 11 Students from other schools applying to Mayfield Grammar School should apply via KentChoices using this link - https://www.kentprospectus.co.uk/login. Please note - After sending your application, you'll receive a welcome email from Applicaa asking for further information.

If you applied to us before the deadline but have not heard from us for a while please bear with us, we are working through the applications and will get back to you with our decision and advice as soon as we can. We will continue to send messages via Applicaa so please logon from time to time to check if we need some additional information from you

Applications After the deadline

Students who are interested in applying to Mayfield Grammar School for Sixth Form but have missed our application process can contact us once they have their GCSE results in August. After the publication of GCSE examinations results in August we ask that you make an appointment to discuss your application with the Sixth Form team. You need to call 01474 352896 or email admissions@mgsg.kent.sch.uk. Please check you have met our entry criteria for the subjects you want to study and read our Options Booklet under the Sixth Form tab on our website for our general entry criteria. If you meet our criteria, please get in touch, and bring your original documents for GCSE Results Summary and Birth Certificate as ID when you are offered an appointment.

Entry Requirements: -

Entry to the Sixth Form is dependent on demonstrating achievements which show general breadth of ability as well as depth in the specific courses chosen for study in the Sixth Form. For this reason you will need to have achieved all the following:

1. A minimum of 6 GCSEs at Grade 5 and above, preferably on the higher papers, in discrete subjects, with the exception of Combined Science, which counts as two subjects.

2. Grade 5 or above in GCSE English and GCSE Mathematics.

3. To have met the requirements of the individual subjects that you intend to study at A Level/Level 3, which are all, with the exception of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Languages, a minimum of Grade 6 at GCSE on the Higher papers. This is essential.

Essential skills

• Passion and aptitude for the subject.

• Ability to use initiative and work independently.

• Willingness to take risks.

• Willingness to conduct wider reading, research, and has strong analytical skills.

• Good organisational skills!

The Photography A level consists of 4 units of work which comprise a portfolio of Personal Investigation (60%) and an Externally Set Assignment (40%). Students will follow the July induction session with a summer project on the theme ‘Sense of Place’ which develops the skills learnt at GCSE and will culminate in an early October outcome. The first term is dedicated to artist inspired photographic developments where students will draw inspiration from a selection of artists and photographers in order to inform their own responses to the starting theme. A focus on a student selected title encourages students to work independently and produce a series of photos from a personal perspective. Students pursue an independent direction which is documented through their journal and culminates in a series of outcomes, both digital and in the Darkroom.

The second unit in Year 12 will be set by subject staff in January and will complete in June. Students begin preparatory studies with work from observation and develop ideas towards a timed assessment in May. Students research relevant artists and photographers, experiment with their own digital photos as well as a substantial amount of time dedicated to developing a series of prints using manual cameras and Darkroom developing, in order to develop work to show sequential thinking and evidence of self-review. The artist research element requires students to be critical in their analysis of Artwork and Photography, and to show a deep understanding of context. Students participate in group critiques, mini presentations and peer and self-assessment activities.

Students show increased independence and the benefit of their earlier experience as they embark on the final unit of their portfolio from July. This self-directed, self-titled final project, is an exploration that runs concurrently with the writing of a written Personal Study. This extended essay demonstrates a high level of critical analysis and is closely linked to the ongoing practical investigation. The Externally Set Assignment paper is issued in early February and forms the final 40% of the A level qualification. Students develop personal work from the externally set theme demonstrating the knowledge, understanding and skills that they have developed over the course. The A level concludes with the 15 hour timed assessment which takes place in early May where students will have full access to the Darkroom to develop their photos.

Note; this course is not designed with Graphic Design or digital editing through Photoshop. It is a contextual based, traditional film method Photography course. Students will be able to take digital photos and edit photos on their own devices throughout the course however.

The Photography A level consists of 4 units of work which comprise a portfolio of Personal Investigation (60%) and an Externally Set Assignment (40%). Students will follow the July induction session with a summer project on the theme ‘Sense of Place’ which develops the skills learnt at GCSE and will culminate in an early October outcome.

Students who do well in this subject have an interest in Photography, Art and Design and Literature outside the classroom and will independently visit galleries and museums to further this.

Minimum recommended entry requirements:

GCSE Photography Grade 6

Considerations will be made for students who have not studied photography previously but had achieved a minimum of Grade 6 in a similar subject

University requirements

Students wishing to continue their studies at university will usually apply to complete a 1 year Foundation course to help them choose an area to specialise in at degree level. All candidates are required to submit a portfolio of work to take to interview.

Links to Further Education

Photography, Art and Design, Fine Art, Product Design, Fashion, Architecture, Journalism, Teaching Curation, Advertising.

Links to Careers

Events Photographer, Advertising, Marketing, Fashion, Interior Design Industry, Journalism, Teacher, Freelance Artist/ Photographer, Curator