Photography A Level

Applications open: 10 November 2025

Application deadline: 13th February 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 x GCSEs Grade 4-9 including English. Maths desirable. Please see individual courses for subject entry requirements. Please visit our website for more information https://www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk/830/welcome

Subject Choices: - You will need to select a minimum of 3 subjects to study and these can be a mixture of A Levels and BTECs with SEFA and MWBA in addition to your full time studies.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

AQA Art and Design (Photography)

The course is divided in two: Coursework 60%, Exam 40%. The final assessment will take place at the end of May.

All students develop skills through Yr12 and explore a range of materials and techniques, increasingly working towards independence. The following year students will progress in developing what is called the ‘Personal Investigation’ (coursework unit). We follow the AQA Art and Design syllabus and recommend that candidates look at the specification on the AQA website.

Students are encouraged to explore and investigate ideas using a wide range of materials and techniques through a number of tasks that build towards an independent and creative portfolio. We develop work through a number of specialist areas – Photographic techniques both digital and chemical. Editing using primarily Photoshop but also experimental work both with techniques and materials including printmaking, 3D Photography, visual diaries and web based programmes.

The exam will begin in February when students receive the question paper and they will develop their ideas towards a final outcome to be completed in a 15 hour controlled test in April/May.

No. of Modular Exams/Length/Retake Information:

Students can retake either whole or 50% of the course the following year.

The Art department is available for students to work, with support, after school from Tuesday to Thursday, 3.10pm – 4.30pm

Grade 4-9 in GCSE Photography or other Art based subject

Many opportunities exist within and beyond the creative industries but most of our students progress to a `Foundation Course' such as that provided by UCA.