Master A Level Photography at Sandy Secondary School

Home

About

Executive Principal's Welcome Values & Ethos Our Vision Governing Body Equality Objectives

Key Information

News

Calendar Latest News Letters Home

Admissions

School Admissions In Year Admissions Sixth Form Admissions

Curriculum

Curriculum Teaching & Learning Functional Skills

Staff Vacancies Contact Us Parents Students

Sixth Form

Welcome to Sixth Form Sixth Form Courses Application Enrichment Next Steps Sixth Form Attendance Transport

Careers

Careers Careers Charter Destination & Retention Data Information for Parents Information for Teachers Parents Guide to Unifrog Provision & Achievements Student Resources

Staff

Introduction to A Level Photography

A Level Photography at Sandy Secondary School is a creative and technically demanding course that develops both artistic vision and practical expertise. Examined by Edexcel as part of the Art & Design pathway, this qualification combines hands-on studio and location work with critical research into practising photographers and artists.

In your first year you will learn essential technical elements including shooting film, using a darkroom, working with Photoshop and Lightroom, and understanding camera controls and setups for both on-location and studio settings. You then begin your own projects under a given theme, interpreting it in your own way and researching practising photographers and artists to inform the style of your work.

Assessment is based on four equally weighted objectives: developing ideas through sustained investigation (AO1), exploring and selecting appropriate resources, media, and techniques (AO2), recording ideas and observations with critical reflection (AO3), and presenting a personal and meaningful response that realises your creative intentions (AO4). Each objective is worth 25% of the total marks.

Staff

Emma Hart

Curriculum Leader Art & Photography i/c D of E

ehart@sandysecondaryschool.com

Assessment Structure

60%

Component 1: Personal Investigation

Students generate and develop ideas, research primary and contextual sources, record practical and written observations, experiment with media and processes, and refine ideas towards producing personal resolved outcomes.

40%

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

Students respond to an externally set theme, generating and developing ideas, researching sources, recording observations, experimenting with media and processes, and refining ideas towards personal resolved outcomes.

Careers and Progression

There are a number of different pathways available for students who wish to pursue Photography after A Level. This includes foundation courses and photographic or design-based degrees at university. Students can also choose an apprenticeship route, gaining hands-on experience in the creative industries.

Photography develops creative skills alongside analytical research abilities that are valued across the creative arts and design sectors. The combination of technical proficiency and artistic vision opens doors to a remarkably wide range of careers in the visual and media industries.

Press Photographer and Photographic Journalist
Film Director and Camera Operator
Graphic Designer and Web Designer
Advertising Art Director
Exhibition Curator
Digital Designer and Marketer
Visual Merchandiser and Stylist
Teacher, Lecturer, or Specialist Technician

I love it! You usually spend at the start of your first year learning about technical elements such as shooting film, using a darkroom, using Photoshop and Lightroom, and learning how to understand camera controls and setups on location and in a studio setting.

Photography Student A Level Photography Student

Photography has allowed me to develop my creative skills and my analytical research skills.

Photography Student A Level Photography Student

Begin Your A Level Photography Journey

Ready to develop your creative vision through the lens? Our A Level Photography programme at Sandy Secondary School combines technical mastery with artistic exploration, preparing you for exciting careers in the visual and creative industries. Speak with Miss E Hart to discover your potential.

Contact the Photography Department

A Level Photography Introduction to A Level Photography A Level Photography at Sandy Secondary School is a creative and technically demanding course that develops both artistic vision and practical expertise. Examined by Edexcel as part of the Art & Design pathway, this qualification combines hands-on studio and location work with critical research into practising photographers and artists. In your first year you will learn essential technical elements including shooting film, using a darkroom, working with Photoshop and Lightroom, and understanding camera controls and setups for both on-location and studio settings. You then begin your own projects under a given theme, interpreting it in your own way and researching practising photographers and artists to inform the style of your work. Assessment is based on four equally weighted objectives: developing ideas through sustained investigation (AO1), exploring and selecting appropriate resources, media, and techniques (AO2), recording ideas and observations with critical reflection (AO3), and presenting a personal and meaningful response that realises your creative intentions (AO4). Each objective is worth 25% of the total marks. Assessment Structure Careers and Progression There are a number of different pathways available for students who wish to pursue Photography after A Level. This includes foundation courses and photographic or design-based degrees at university. Students can also choose an apprenticeship route, gaining hands-on experience in the creative industries. Photography develops creative skills alongside analytical research abilities that are valued across the creative arts and design sectors. The combination of technical proficiency and artistic vision opens doors to a remarkably wide range of careers in the visual and media industries.