Photography A Level (AQA)

Applications Open: - 7th November 2025

Applications Close: - 8th June 2026 (Applications will still be considered after this date)

Other Information:- Please select a minimum of three A-Level courses. Contact Mark.Shenton@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk for further course information

Entry Requirements: Some courses have additional entry requirements. These can be found on the prospectus.

Level 3 - 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or higher including English and Mathematics.

Transition - 5 GCSEs at grade 3 or higher. Either English or Mathematics must be at a grade 4.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Questions/Queries:-Mark.shenton@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk

Site Tours:- Mark.shenton@sandwich-tech.kent.sch.uk

Why study this subject?

Photography is a form of visual communication. Students will gain skills in analysing and making images allowing them to express creative ideas, communicate messages and provides skills that can lead to further study and employment.

Units that will be studied

The course comprises of two components:

• Component 1: This comprises of a personal study which takes the form of a portfolio of work, produced in response to a theme, chosen by the student. This is accompanied by a written piece of work of at least 1000 words which supports the work produced, explains the concepts investigated and demonstrates how the project has developed in response to the chosen artists.

• Component 2: This is an externally set exam question which is issued at the start of February in the final year. Students are required to build a portfolio of work, in response to their chosen question and produce a final outcome in a timed practical exam

Assessment

Component 1 Personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by written material 60%

Component 2 Externally set assignment to be completed over a preparatory period and 15 hours supervised time 40%

LEVEL 3 ROUTE OF STUDY

STS Sixth Form offers a broad range of A Level and Applied general qualifications that will prepare you for university or employment. To access this route, you will need to have at least 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths; however, some subjects have specific entry criteria. You will study a programme that can be tailored to meet your interests and future aspirations to give you the best chance of academic success. This programme is a two-year linear course. To study four level 3 courses, you must have at least 5 GCSEs at grade 7 or above. All courses are subject to change and are not set in stone.

Additional Entry Requirements

An arts subject at grade 4 or above is preferred.