Photography A Level

Hailsham Sixth Form

Battle Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 1DT

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Monday, 01 September 2025

Hailsham Sixth Form

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

Essential Equipment A Digital SLR camera and tripod essential at this level. A memory card reader, memory stick to carry digital work, a folder to carry and protect work, a regular supply of glue-sticks and a positive attitude is also required. Students will also be required to undertake practical self-study tasks outside of lessons. You therefore will be expected to equip yourself with some vital kit prior to starting the course.   Contributions Students will be asked to make a payment (currently £40 but subject to change) to contribute towards the large amounts of specialist printing that they will have to do as an essential part of the course.

Course Summary

Art, Craft & Design : Photography and Lens Based Media (AS/A2)

A Level Photography is a dynamic course that focuses on digital photography and editing. We have a well equipped department with digital SLR cameras, studio lighting and backdrops and a suite of Mac computers with industry standard editing software. We have a strong contemporary focus, we embrace new media and technologies and offer passionate specialist staff who can guide you down your chosen creative path.

Course Details

How Will I Learn?

You will start the course with some structured lessons designed to help you discover and master camera and editing and hone your analytical and research skills. This boosts confidence in your technical ability when you embark on your own personal work. The course is very “hands on” at a practical level and encourages a degree of personal interest and involvement. Students are encouraged to be creative and innovative in their approach, making and manipulating images, communicating messages and meaning and fully exploring their ideas.

You will be expected to take this enthusiasm with you into your study time where you can execute these new skills to build a varied and exciting portfolio of work. The units of work all require research and analysis of artists and photographers, creation and development of ideas using appropriate innovative skills and the creation of ambitious final outcomes.

There is also a practical study visit to London on offer where you shall spend the day taking photographs to boost your portfolio and visiting a major gallery.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

· AS – Unit 1: A portfolio (physical and digital) of Photography, including short themed projects.

· AS – Unit 2: An externally set themed unit, culminating in a 10 hour timed practical exam for the production of your final work.

· A2 – Unit 3: A Personal Study unit on a theme of your choosing. This is developed as a unit of work and translates into an extended essay. (Both unit and essay are submitted.)

· A2 – Unit 4: An externally set themed unit, culminating as a 15 hour timed practical exam for the production of your final work.

Entry requirements

GCSE Photography grade 5

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