A Level Photography
Specification name, code(s) and examination board
Edexcel
AS Photography 8PY0
A Level Photography 9PY0
Linear or Modular
Linear
Subject content
Photography explores the disciplines of film-based photography, digital photography, film and
video. Students will have opportunities to generate practical work, ideas and research from
primary, secondary and contextual studies. They will experiment with media and processes, and
develop and refine their ideas, presenting their outcomes.
Assessment procedures
The AS course is broken in to two components:
Component 1 (50%) – Personal Investigation – students complete supporting studies and
personal outcomes based on a range of given starting points.
Component 2 (50%) – Externally Set Assignment – students work on a broad based theme
given by the exam board. Students submit preparatory studies and practical outcomes;
they then have a sustained focus period of 10 hours in which students create final
responses to the given theme. Represents the culmination of the AS Level course. Total
marks available: 72.
The A2 course is broken in to two components:
Component 1 (60%) – Personal Investigation - set by the students themselves based on a
broad starting point. The investigation and development for both the practical work and
personal study will be shown through supporting studies. Part 1 is practical work that is
worth 72 marks and part 2 is the personal study - a piece of written continuous prose
(minimum 1000 words). This is worth 18 marks and is assessed separately. Total marks
available: 90.
Component 2 (40%) – Externally Set Assignment – students work on a broad based theme
given by the exam board. Student’s independence is encouraged in the development of
ideas, intentions and responses. They create preparatory studies and personal outcomes;
they then have a sustained focus period of 15 hours in which students create final
responses to the given theme. Represents the culmination of the A Level course. Total
marks available: 72.
Qualities and skills essential for studying Photography
Students need to be able to demonstrate their personal interest in Photography. Experience of
producing digital outcomes, which can be from a range of sources, is preferable. Students will be
introduced to the discipline of photography in the first component and they need to be aware that
they will have to learn the formal and technical elements to develop their skills. Students need to
show good planning skills and commitment to the course outside of lesson time. They need to be
able to record personal ideas appropriate to intentions in order to create meaningful responses.
They should be aware that there are written elements of the course as this is an important aspect
to develop their contextual understanding. Students should be able to write about their own work
and the work of others.
Entrance requirements – GCSE English at grade C. Studying of creative subjects can be useful (eg:
Art, Graphics) but is not necessary. You do need to be able to demonstrate your interest in
photography and a small selection of images to be viewed as a personal portfolio may be required.
What can I do after I study Photography?
We offer AS and A Level Art and Photography. Within these courses all students are taught to
experiment with a wide range of mediums, such as screen printing, stop frame animation and
digital imagery using the iPads, as well as refining more traditional skills. All students complete
four units of sketchbook work that result in large scale, contemporary final pieces. To inspire
students, we have taken them on a number of trips such as to the National Portrait Gallery,
National Gallery, Tate Britain and the Saatchi gallery. We have also taken students out to draw
and photograph on location. We run our own scheme to help sixth form students with their
applications to higher education and have existing university students come in to give talks and
offer support with building visual portfolios.
A Level Photography is an excellent course for entry into higher education, specialist colleges or
employment. The courses show that you can be creative, inspiring, practical and innovative. In
recent years, students from The Ellen Wilkinson School for Girls have gone onto study a wide
range of courses. Recent leavers have gone on to do Art Foundation courses at Kensington and
Chelsea College, Kingston University and the London College of Communication. We have also had
students go straight to university degree courses such as Photography at Brighton and the
University of the Arts.