Photography A Level 3

Applications Open – 21st November 2025

Applications Close – 30th April 2026

Entry Requirements – At least 5 GCSE passes at grades 9-5 in the new qualifications (or A*- B grade in the old GCSEs) including English (either Literature or Language if both were taken) and mathematics.

Preference on Advanced Level courses will be given to those students securing at least a grade 6 (or grade B in the old GCSE assessment system) in the subject they wish to study.

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

COURSE - The Photography course would suit students who are highly motivated and able to use fragmented periods of time constructively. Outside the classroom students are required to spend a minimum of four hours a week on project work and will need to demonstrate a high degree of commitment and self-discipline combined with a good technical and creative ability.

Along with practical work across a range of processes and media, a high level of theoretical and conceptual understanding is developed over the two years. Students are required to produce a written dissertation which will accompany their evolving practical outcomes.

COURSE CONTENT

Component 1 - Worth 60% of A-level marks – Personal Investigation (Practical Coursework) and Personal Study (Essay 1000 words minimum).

Component 2 - Worth 40% of A-level marks – Externally set assignment this also includes a 15 hour exam to complete a final piece.

ASSESSMENT - The Art Department will continually assess the work throughout the course. This will in the main take the form of tutorials and in progress discussions where appropriate. Regular written feedback and targets will be given throughout the year. All work will be internally marked at the completion of units and externally moderated by a representative of the Examination board.

ADMISSIONS - The course is intended to suit the needs of pupils who have an interest and aptitude in photography, and who may wish to undertake further studies leading to careers for which a Photography background is relevant. There are a great deal of transferable skills covered within the course and the addition of an arts subject to a selection of A-level choices is considered a positive for a number of different career paths that do not have an obvious link with an arts based qualification. It is preferable for students to speak to the head of art and show a selection of their photography if the student has not completed a GCSE in art – GCSE Art is not essential.

CAREERS - Beyond A Level, courses are available at both degree and higher BTEC levels in three of our local Art Colleges. These range from the Fine Arts to courses in most areas of 2 and 3 dimensional designs and could lead to career opportunities in the fields of multi-media, film and television, the theatre, advertising, product and architectural design, fashion design and industrial design amongst others.