Photography

Photography at The Kingsley School will give you access to state of the art digital editing facilities equipped with Adobe Photoshop® and use of professional studio lighting equipment, allowing you to work at an industry standard with your digital photography.

To embark on A-level Photography, a GCSE in Art & Design is recommended, but not essential. The most important requirements are that you have a real interest in the subject and will apply yourself with enthusiasm, effort and commitment.

All candidates will be required to submit a small portfolio of work to assess their suitability for the subject.

What will you study and learn?

A-level Photography will allow you to develop your skills in picture-taking and provide you with advanced Photoshop skills. Alongside the development of these technical skills you will study essential elements such as lighting, studio techniques and composition, underpinned by critical and contextual studies.

The course will also give you the opportunity to develop your own identity as a photographer, through the close study of other photographers and their influence in your work.

Course content and examinations

The photography course that you will follow at A-level is endorsed Art & Design (Photography: lens-based and light-based media) as specified by the examination board, AQA.

The A-level specification is comprised of some initial experiments, one component of practical coursework (personal investigation) supported by a written element of no less than 1000 and no more than 3000 words, and an externally set assignment, which concludes with a 15 hour examination. The personal investigation unit counts for 60% and the externally set task unit makes up the remaining 40% of the final grade.

Where could the subject take you?

Photography skills can support applications for further qualifications and careers in many creative fields including film, graphic design, advertising, fine art, illustration and web design. Specific careers in photography could involve photojournalism, portrait, scientific, fashion or sports photography, publicity and freelance work.