Photography A Level (Linear)

Applications Open: - 5th November 2025

Applications Close: - 5th January 2026

Entry Requirements: - Our entry requirements are subject specific, please look through our website for more information. Specific information can be found under Sixth Form and in Choosing courses. Details are here

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Topics

 Thematic investigating of visual elements; composition, tone, texture, form, line, depth and perspective.

 Mood through colour and visual effect (distortion, image manipulation).

 Manual settings of a DSLR

 Lighting in structure & portraiture

 Critical and contextual studies and art history (photography).

 Mixed Media approaches.

Component 1 Title: Personal Investigation (60%):

The following overview of the component content is based, fundamentally, on processes which use drawing and painting from firsthand Observation; Analysis & Recording from primary sources::

Processes will involve:

- Developing ideas
- Exploring media, developing and applying skills
- Researching, recording, analysing and reviewing
- Creating and presenting outcome(s)

The component must evidence three major elements: supporting studies, practical work and a personal study. Supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of developmental work and outcome(s) and the personal study will be evidenced through critical written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum 3000 words of continuous prose, which may contain integrated images.

Component 2 Title: Externally Set Assignment (40%):

This component will be produced in Year 13 from the end of term 3 onwards. This requires students to process the same content as Component 1 (not including the personal study) but in response to an externally set theme. It also requires students to work more independently and to produce a final outcome under controlled examination conditions, over 15 hours.

Skills acquired:

Visual Analysis from direct sources - how to see and record a photographic image (visual elements)

Critical - how to analyse and evaluate images (and interpret their meaning) through research and visual investigation

Technical/Practical - methods, processes, techniques of using a 35mm & DSLR camera and digtial manipulation. Manipulation of visual elements to express 'ideas' and aims in photographic form.

Component 1 Title: Personal Investigation (60%):

Component 2 Title: Externally Set Assignment (40%):

Students must have done GCSE Art & Design, or Photography preferably.

Students must have had experience of handling cameras, 35mm or digital

- Computer proficiency
- Commitment
- Motivation and initiative
- Interest/enthusiasm for visual ‘arts’ (photography, media, visiting galleries, museums)
- Research Skills (using reference systems, data-bases, etc.)
- English Language/Literature (enjoy reading and writing)

- APS 4+ including 3 GCSE grade 5s including a grade 5 at GCSE in Art & Design or Photography

1 year Diploma Foundation Course in Art and Design – this course is designed to learn about and experience the breadth of creative discipline, building a portfolio of work and make informed decisions for specialized Degree Courses. (e.g. Fine Art, Illustration, Graphics, Costume Design, Architecture, Digital Animation etc.)

4 Year Foundation Degree Course e.g, Photography, Art Administration, Cultural/Media Studies, Fashion etc

Degree Course (in specialized subjects - subject to suitable A Levels) e.g. Photography, Fashion, History of Art etc