A-Level Photography (EDEXCEL 9PYO)

Course Overview

An exciting yet demanding course, A-level photography aims to develop photographic, creative and intellectual skills along with the ability to analyse contextual references, techniques and processes using written annotation.

Photography has been used by practitioners to record, document and present examples of everyday life, in ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. It has also been used as the vehicle for artistic expression, communicating personal ideas about the world around us. It is used to convey personal identity more widely than any other art form, is applied in the creative process across art, craft and design and is widely used in social, commercial and scientific contexts. The development of affordable lens-based technology has changed the way that both professionals and the public use photography.

An A-level in photography is excellent preparation for higher education courses in photography, illustration, graphic design, animation, and game design. A bridge camera is sufficient, but students will not be able to rely solely on a phone camera. All computer equipment and related software is available at the academy.

You will study:

  • film-based photography
  • digital photography
  • film and video.

“I chose photography because it changes the way you see everyday things. Suddenly you notice light, shapes, colours, textures. Everything around you looks different when you see the world as a photographer.”

St Ivo Student

Course Code: 9PYO

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • Five 5’s including English and 4+ in maths
  • Art based or film GCSE grade 5+
  • If photography studied at GCSE grade 5+
  • If none, portfolio of 12+ photographs (landscapes, portraits) – not holiday photographs

Exam Board: EDEXCEL

Assessment

Consists of two components, both internally assessed and externally moderated, a thematic practical project and an essay of 1500 – 3000 words which relates to the contextual research within the practical work. Component 2 is externally set and thematically based.

  • 60% Component 1
  • 40% Component 2

Choosing your post-16 options is an important decision, and St Ivo Academy Sixth Form is here to guide you. Applications are welcome from students in St Ives and beyond via the MyChoice16 platform.

Step-by-step application process

  1. Log in to your MyChoice16 account.
  2. Select ‘My Applications’. To start a new application, click ‘Start a new Application’; to continue an existing one, click ‘Continue’ next to your application.
  3. Complete all sections of your Profile Template if this is your first application. For additional applications, only ‘Course Choices’ needs to be completed.
  4. Qualifications will be uploaded by the school—this section can be skipped. Your form tutor will add a reference.
  5. Complete any remaining fields or checkboxes. Click ‘Send Application’ to submit.
  6. Your application status will update (eg. Sent, Schools Hold). The school will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements, and you may be asked to discuss it with a teacher.
  7. Monitor your application regularly and respond promptly to any notifications.
  8. All applicants will be invited to an interview before a provisional offer is made.

 

Photography & Visual Arts

  • Professional Photographer (portrait, fashion, commercial, or events)
  • Photojournalist / Editorial Photographer
  • Fine Art Photographer
  • Studio or Commercial Photographer

Creative & Media Industries

  • Film, TV, or Video Production
  • Graphic Designer / Visual Designer
  • Digital Content Creator / Social Media Specialist
  • Art Director / Creative Director

Other Related Careers

  • Gallery Curator / Exhibition Coordinator
  • Marketing / Advertising Roles
  • Freelance Creative / Entrepreneur

Lucy Kingsbury – Lucy.Kingsbury@astreastivo.org

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