A LEVEL
Photography
Photography at St Paul’s focuses on how images are created and understood.
Through Photography, you’ll experiment with perspective, technique and meaning, discovering how to express thought and emotion through imagery. Each frame captures a moment in your development as an artist.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
Photography has allowed me to be creative and express through images, instead of having to remember facts like other academic subjects.
Why Choose Photography at St Paul’s?
Our Photography department is a creative hub where seeing becomes thinking, and images become ideas. It’s a space to explore the world through your own lens and develop a powerful visual voice.
Lessons that encourage you to question, compose and experiment — transforming everyday moments into meaningful visual stories.
Teachers who bring professional insight and artistic passion, helping you master both the technical craft and the conceptual depth of photography.
A studio culture built on curiosity and collaboration, where discussion, critique and shared discovery shape your creative journey.
Opportunities to exhibit your work, engage with visiting artists, and explore photography’s place in art, media and contemporary culture.
A subject that hones your ability to observe, interpret and communicate — skills that open doors to creative, academic and professional futures alike.
Where Photography Can Take You
Our Photography students often continue their studies in creative subjects like film production, fashion imagery, graphic design and visual culture, or move into industries where observation and imagination shape the story.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
What You’ll Study
You’ll refine your technical skills and creative eye, learning to think critically, experiment boldly and communicate ideas through powerful visual storytelling — qualities that universities, art schools and employers value.
In Photography you’ll build a strong foundation in:
Mastering camera techniques, lighting, composition and digital editing.
Exploring traditional and contemporary photographic practices.
Developing visual literacy and the confidence to express complex ideas through imagery.
Analysing the work of photographers, artists and designers to inform your own practice.
Building a professional portfolio that showcases your individuality and creative growth.
Full details of the course can be found in the exam board’s official AQA specification.
You arrive as you are, and you’re celebrated for it. You leave ready to take on the world.
— Sixth Form student
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Photography Exam Results
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PASS RATE
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achieved
A* to C
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achieved
A* to B
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achieved
A* to A
Entry Requirements
This course does not have additional entry requirements beyond our standard entry requirements.
These requirements are in place to help set you up for success and make sure you have the right foundation to enjoy the challenge of Sixth Form study.
I thought about leaving, but I realised no one else would care about me the way St Paul’s does. Here, I’m not starting over, I’m moving forward.
— Student Name
Hear From Our Students
Photography is amazing because you can express yourself and your own style whilst creating something visually striking.
The subject is completely fascinating. It is great to share thoughts, interpretations and opinions with the rest of the class, in sometimes lively and passionate debate.
Mr W Richards
SUBJECT LEADER FOR ART & PHOTOGRAPHY
Thank you for your interest in studying Photography at A Level. Our experienced and passionate staff are committed to helping you develop your technical skills and creative vision within a caring and collaborative community.
Please feel free to contact me if you’d like to discuss the course in more detail or explore the many opportunities it can lead to.
Send me a message
We’d love to hear from you, whether you want to talk about subject choices, entry requirements, or your future career ideas.
Are you ready to explore the world through your lens, experiment with creative techniques, and express your vision through powerful and original imagery?
Start your Photography journey at St Paul’s.
Whatever course you choose, you’ll be joining a community where every student is known and loved. Our mission is not just to help you succeed academically, but to help you grow as a person, supported and celebrated every step of the way.
PhotographyCourse Content
Offered in this course is the opportunity to study and develop hands on knowledge of photography through a variety of mediums. See how we break down each module and topic and how we assess each one.
| COMPONENT 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEIGHT |
60% (96 marks) |
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LENGTH |
No time limit |
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FORMAT |
NEA |
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Induction Period
Students are required to work in ne ore more area(s) of Photography, such as those listed below. To explore techniques, revisit processes and refine skills. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas:
- Portraiture
- Landscape Photography (working from the urban, rural and/or coastal environment)
- Still life photography (working from objects or from the natural world)
- Documentation photography, photojournalism
- Experimental imagery
- Multimedia
- Photographic installation
- Moving image (video, film, animation)
Â
Personal Investigation
This is a practical investigation supported by written material, with no fixed time limit
| COMPONENT 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEIGHT |
40% (96 marks) |
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LENGTH |
Preparatory time + 15 Hours supervised |
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FORMAT |
NEA |
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Students are required to conduct a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written materials. The focus of the investigation must be identified by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or series of related finished outcomes.
