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Photography

A Level / 2 year Course / AQA

Students produce practical and critical/contextual work in one or more areas of study. For example: portraiture, landscape photography, still life photography, documentary photography, photojournalism, fashion photography, experimental imagery, multimedia, photographic installation and moving image (video, film, animation).

More on this course

Students will be required to demonstrate skills in all of the following:

  • The ability to explore elements of visual language, line, form, colour, pattern and texture
  • Awareness of intended audience or purpose for their chosen area(s) of photography
  • The ability to respond to an issue, theme, concept or idea, or work to a brief or answer a need
  • Appreciation of viewpoint, composition, aperture, depth of field, shutter speed and movement
  • Appropriate use of the camera, lenses, filters, lighting and alternative photographic processes or work in their chosen area
  • Understanding of techniques related to the production of photographic images and, where appropriate, presentation and layout.

Teaching and learning methods

Students work within digital platforms to create online and physical portfolios. They are given a range of set themes as starting points for each project. Students are expected to create final outcomes at the end of each project which support portfolios that document their creative journeys. Skills-based teaching in post-production digital manipulation, alternative processes and creating photographic publications takes place alongside project development as well as extending students’ ability to analyse art and design movements.

Students take part in group workshops, individual tutorials and class critiques throughout the course as well as being offered opportunities to attend gallery visits and residential art trips.

Assessment

Component 1 (60% of final mark): Students develop work based on an idea, issue, concept or there leading to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. Practical elements should make connections with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of artists, designers, photographers or craftspeople and include written work of 1000 to 3000 words which supports the practical work.

Component 2 Externally Set Task (40% of final mark): Students respond to a stimulus, provided by AQA, to produce work which provides evidence of their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response which addresses all the assessment objectives and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.

Skills and Careers Insight

A Level Photography helps you develop creativity, technical expertise, and visual storytelling skills. You’ll learn how to capture stunning images, experiment with composition, lighting, and digital editing, and convey emotions and messages through photography. These skills are highly valued in careers such as professional photography, photojournalism, fashion photography, advertising, and digital content creation. Whether you dream of becoming a freelance photographer, working in the media, or in the creative industries, A Level Photography provides a solid foundation for a dynamic career that thrives on visual expression and creativity.

Subject Combination

We recommend that students take no more than two visual arts subjects (fine art, graphic design, photography, art, craft and design, fashion and textiles) as we encourage a broad curriculum. Other subjects that combine well with photography include media studies, film studies, games development, English literature, history, and business studies.

Student Testimonials

What do our students think about studying here?

Photography is a very creative subject and has lots of opportunities. My teacher is amazing and very supportive in developing my work. We have trips to different universities to explore our next steps and visiting lecturers offering feedback and industry advice.

Kaos Morris

Former DSFC Student from Belmont Community School

I think the best thing about Durham Sixth Form Centre is the fact that it’s a mature environment and it gives you the independence you need.

Sam Henig

Previous school - Wellfield School

I think Durham Sixth Form Centre is a perfect choice because the lessons are well planned and there is a brilliant balance between independent learning and support from all teachers.

Hannah Warwick

Previous school - Hermitage Academy

When I was in Year 11, the biggest worry for me was the transitional period between Year 11 and Year 12. But the support and the teachers made this so much smoother for me moving from my secondary school to Durham Sixth Form Centre.

Jenni Fairish

Previous school - Whitworth Park Academy

The atmosphere and quality of teaching at Durham Sixth Form Centre is very impressive and you can see a great deal of passion from the educators, which is something I believe is very important.

Logan Aitchinson

Previous school - Park View School

Photography is a great subject to pick as it is really fun. You are able to choose a theme that you are interested in and create photography that you like based around that. You also get to experiment with a wide variety of techniques such as rayograms and cyanotypes. I believe I have developed so many skills, especially since I had not studied the subject in my previous school, and I have really come to enjoy it!

Chelsea Allen

Former school - Hetton Academy

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