A Level Photography

Driffield School and Sixth Form

Manorfield Road, Driffield, YO25 5HR

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Thursday, 01 October 2026

Driffield School and Sixth Form

1 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

As a photographer you will be fascinated and intrigued by the world around you, seeing infinite opportunities for that perfect photographic composition.

Course Details

The course aims to develop the students' practical knowledge in photography, including technical aspects of photography and photo editing software. Alongside practical work students will research photographers as part of the contextual studies element of the course.

- Gain understanding and knowledge of how the camera works and the manual settings.

- Experiment with a range of techniques and processes, including manual and digital editing of photographs

- Choose your own concept for the extended individual photography project

- Extensive photography equipment to use and borrow (we do recommend students have their own DSLR camera, but the department do have some which can be loaned if needed) Have your work display in an exhibition Part of a career path into a wide range of art and design orientated industries

How will it be delivered and assessed?

You will have access to a dedicated Sixth Form Art Studio. You will develop your knowledge and understanding through a combination of theory based and practical sessions in the classroom and studio.

In Year 12 students will complete an AS-Level qualification. This is 100% Coursework/portfolio of work based on a series of tasks around technical aspects of digital photography and using a DSLR camera. Students will use manual settings on their camera, including shutter speed and aperture settings, to help achieve particular types of photographic imagery. In the Spring of Year 12 students begin to investigate an aspect of the course which they wish to explore further. By the end of Year 12 students will decide upon their chosen line of enquiry for their individual extended project, the bulk of which will be carried out in Year 13 which includes a written essay to accompany their practical work. Students work towards a full A level in Year 13 and will complete a portfolio of work as well as an ESA. The Externally Set Assignment is received in February of Year 13. Students choose from a selection of different starting points, complete planning and preparation on this theme, culminating in a 15 hour controlled assessment in April/May

Entry requirements

To study A Level courses you'll need: 5 GCSEs at 9-5 plus Grade 5 in all subjects you wish to study at A Level.

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