By studying Photography A level you can use your photography experience to enter a wealth of careers in the creative industry - one of the fastest growing industries in the world!

What will you learn?

You will experiment with and investigate a whole range of media, techniques and processes from compact film cameras to digital SLR cameras, from dark room work to Photoshop manipulation of images to mixed media.

The emphasis will be learning by doing and you will be expected to create imaginative, personal work. You will be given the opportunity to develop your own personal responses to ideas, objects, experiences, environments and cultures in practical, critical and contextual forms.

You will gain experience of evaluating and responding to other photographers’ work whilst using your own creativity and independent thought to express yourself visually. You will be encouraged to take risks, experiment and reflect on your own work and process.

How will you learn?

You will be following the AQA exam syllabus and there are two set components to the A level. After an initial period learning key skills and concepts you will start the first Personal Investigation Component in Year 12. This will run into and complete in the Autumn term of Year 13.

Component 2, the externally set exam, will start in the Spring term of Year 13 and completed in the Summer term:

• Component 1 – Personal Investigation. You will complete a portfolio of work based on a subject that interests you. This is worth 60% of your A level grade

• Component 2 - Completion of an externally set assignment is worth 40% of your A level

Where will it take you?

Many students go on to take higher education in photography, such as a photography degree. You may then decide to join the world of photography by becoming a fashion photographer, food and home photographer, natural environment photographer, advertising photographer, social documentary photographer, a photojournalist for newspapers or a war photographer and travel around the world – the list is endless.