Photography - KS5

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Students at SJB who study Art and Design embark on a journey of self-expression. Along the way there will be a variety of practical opportunities across a range of skill sets. Students explore, enjoy, unlock their creative potential and enhance their wellbeing. Art and Design prepares students for the creative industries and equips them with transferable skills for other pathways.

EXAM BOARD: EDUQAS

QUALIFICATION: A-Level

Photography is a highly creative and exploratory course that combines technical skill with artistic expression. You will learn to use cameras, digital editing, and traditional techniques to produce original and personal photographic work. The course encourages you to investigate themes, experiment with processes, and develop a portfolio that reflects your own vision. This subject is ideal for students who are passionate about visual creativity, enjoy working independently, and want to build skills that can lead to further study or careers in the creative industries.

What will you study?

The course is divided into two major components:

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of qualification) 

  • A major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative project/portfolio and outcome(s), based on themes and subject matter that have personal significance to the learner. 
  • An extended written element of at least 1000 words, which may include images and texts, clearly related to the practical and theoretical work using specialist vocabulary.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of qualification) 

  • Released from 1 February in Year 2 of the course: a set of stimuli (visual/written) from which the learner selects one starting point. 
  • Preparatory studies (practical, theoretical) to develop ideas, followed by a 15-hour sustained focus period, under supervised conditions, to complete the final outcome(s).

EDUQAS Art & Design: Photography specification

Curriculum Map

Students following this course will gain a wide variety of knowledge and skills including:

  • Creative and technical skills in digital and traditional photography, including camera work, composition, and editing
  • The ability to develop personal ideas and express them visually through sustained projects
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills through the study of photographic practice, techniques, and contextual influences
  • An understanding of artistic, cultural, and historical perspectives that shape visual communication
  • A strong portfolio of original work to support progression into higher education, creative industries, or related careers

Photography develops much more than technical skill with a camera. The course trains you to observe carefully, notice fine visual details, and communicate ideas with accuracy and creativity. These abilities are highly valued across the creative industries and beyond.

  • Professional Photography – from commercial, editorial, and fashion to documentary and fine art practice.
  • Design and Creative Industries – visual awareness and composition skills support careers in graphic design, interior design, architecture, and visual merchandising.
  • Media, Marketing, and Digital Content – expertise in image-making is crucial for advertising, branding, social media, and creative content creation.
  • Journalism and Communication – skills in observation and visual storytelling prepare students for roles in photojournalism, publishing, and media production.
  • Science and Technical Fields – accuracy in visual recording is valued in fields such as medical photography, forensic photography, and scientific imaging.
  • Education, Museums, and Galleries – knowledge of visual culture and presentation can lead to teaching, curation, arts administration, or conservation.

For students to be successful in Photography they should have a genuine interest in visual creativity, an eye for detail, and the ability to develop ideas independently through practical and written work.

Entry Requirements:

  • A minimum of a grade 4 in GCSE English Language or Literature is essential
  • It is desirable to also have a grade 6 in GCSE, Art & Design, Photography, or another creative subject at Key Stage 4.

The A Level is teacher assessed through two coursework components.

Component 1: Personal Investigation
Portfolio of practical work and outcomes, supported by an extended written element (minimum 1000 words)
60% of A Level

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment
Preparatory studies and outcome(s) based on a set theme released in February, including a 15-hour supervised period to produce the final piece(s)
40% of A Level

Assessment is based based upon four objectives Develop, Explore, Record and Present. All work is then externally moderated.

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