Photography A Level
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Photography A Level Course Outline
Advanced Level 3
Awarding Body: WJEC Eduqas
Study Photography
Photography is more than just taking pictures - it’s about seeing the world differently and telling stories through images. At A-Level, you’ll learn to use both traditional and digital techniques, experiment creatively, and develop your own unique style. The course builds technical skill, artistic vision, and confidence in visual communication.
The creative industries remain one of the UK’s fastest-growing economic sectors, contributing billions of pounds each year (123.03 billion in 2024) and employing people in areas such as media, fashion, advertising, publishing, film, and digital content creation. Studying Photography opens pathways into higher education and exciting careers in these fields, where strong visual literacy and creativity are in high demand.
Fine Art Photography also plays a vital role in shaping culture. It pushes boundaries, explores identity, and captures moments that define generations. By engaging with photography as an art form, you’ll learn to think critically, express ideas powerfully, and create work that has both personal meaning and wider impact.
If you’re passionate about images, stories, and creativity, A-Level Photography is the perfect opportunity to develop your skills, build a strong portfolio, and open doors to a future in the creative industries.
Entry Requirements
The General entry requirements for A Level courses are six GCSEs grades 9-4 and above, including English Language.
Grade 4 English and Portfolio of work
Content
This is a 2-Year Linear course
Year 12 & Year13: Component 1: Personal Investigation Unit (60% of overall grade).
Year 13: Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of overall grade).
Assessment
The A-Level qualification is assessed against four main criteria:
A01: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.
A02: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.
A03: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.
A04: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.
Progression
Students who wish to pursue Photography beyond A-Level can progress directly to degree-level study or progress onto a Foundation Diploma before moving into Higher Education. The latter remains the preferred route into many creative degree courses as it provides students with a stronger foundation of knowledge, understanding and skill before progressing to the full degree.
The Art & Photography department at St Charles maintains strong links with leading creative universities, and our students successfully go on to attend prestigious institutions such as the University of the Arts London Colleges (Central Saint Martins, Camberwell, Chelsea, Wimbledon, London College of Communication, and London College of Fashion), Ravensbourne, Middlesex, as well as universities further afield including Newport, Edinburgh, and Newcastle.
Students go on to pursue a wide range of specialisms, including Fine Art Photography, Film and Television, Fashion, Animation, Advertising, Commercial Photography, Media and Communication, Visual Communication, Professional Photography, Photography and Digital Imaging, and Creative Media Production.
Student Testimonials
"like the practical lessons we have in A-Level Photography at St Charles. We are given freedom to explore our own ideas whilst working, allowing us to develop our own style. One of my favourite tasks is working in the darkroom and using the traditional Photography techniques, helping me gain valuable skills and knowledge."
"The environment in St Charles is so welcoming and loving. Being in the class with such helpful teachers and great peers is amazing."
"You get help from your teachers but not only yours but the other art teachers."
Extra Curricular
Students joining us at St Charles will benefit from the use of large, well-lit studio spaces to work in, along with industry standard Mac Suites, and facilities which include a Laser-cutter, Kiln, Heat-press, Screen-printing Suite and a newly installed Photography Dark-room. As part of the curriculum student's studies are enhanced by termly trips and visits, along with industry led talks and the opportunity to partake in work placements.
See more of our student work, and hear what students have to say about us by visiting our Instagram page:
Department Staff
The Art & Photography Department comprises of 4 teachers and 1 specialist technician. Each with expertise in a broad range of techniques and processes, the department staff have studied and worked at a number of prestigious institutions including Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Art, Edinburgh College of Art, London College of Fashion and The Royal College of Art.
Department staff continue to engage with contemporary art and design and develop their own practice. This includes explorations of the following areas: ceramics, photography, jewellery design, fine art, illustration, graphic design, product design, interior accessories and games design.
If you have any questions regarding the courses within Art & Photography, please contact:
Head of Art & Photography
Claire Hemsley
chm@stcharles.ac.uk
Head of Creative Arts Faculty
Lena Abbas
Lab@stcharles.ac.uk
0208 968 7755 Ext. 224