Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
Are you passionate about visual storytelling, creative expression, and capturing the world through a lens? A Level Photography offers you the opportunity to explore photography as both an art form and a powerful communication tool.
Photography has evolved to become one of the most important forms of visual communication. It has a wide variety of applications in areas such documentary, fashion, editorial, fine art, sports, and natural history. At Paston College you will use both traditional film photography and digital processes, with darkroom facilities for 35mm, 120mm and 5x4” film enlargements as well as a suite of computers for high quality, large format printing.
You will learn and refine your understanding of core principles in the various functions of the camera, the use of Adobe editing software, and darkroom techniques, through a series of short assignments. You will then embark on a personal exploration with freedom to choose your own subject, theme, and ideas to express. Throughout the course you will be supported to develop your coursework towards a final piece. You will also develop skills such as team working, resilience, effective communication of complex ideas and the ability to use your own initiative.
You will learn a wide variety of camera, software, and darkroom skills based around 35mm, 120mm, 5x4” film and 35mm digital formats. You will use cameras with fully manual settings to understand exposure and utilise unique qualities such as depth of field and motion capture. You will learn how to process film, enlarge and tone images with experimental printing techniques such as cyanotype and albumen printing. Flash photography in studio and location settings will also be covered as well as Adobe Photoshop and Camera RAW editing styles.
Why Choose Paston College?
A wide range of subjects
We're proud to be the biggest provider of A Levels in Norfolk, offering 27 A Level courses
Student progression
100% of our students progress to university, employment, apprenticeships, of gap years
Excellent results
Our students do consistently well on their A Level courses, with pass rates consistently in the high 90s
Entry Requirements
You will need to achieve a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 or above, and three GCSEs at grade 4 or above. You will need to achieve grade 4 or above in GCSE art, graphics or photography. If you did not take an arts GCSE, you must have a portfolio approved after interview as a condition of your offer.
How You Will Be Assessed
You will be assessed formally through assessment criteria from the exam board. You will also be assessed through a variety of coursework and will be asked to complete preparatory studies to complete a finished piece of work completed under exam conditions.
Course Progression
Previous students have progressed to various forms of photography or other arts subjects at university. You could also consider a degree in areas such as architecture, fashion, marketing, or film production.
Where Your Course Can Take You
You could explore photography-related careers such as a professional photographer, photojournalist, commercial photographer or event photographer. Other creative careers could see you working as a graphic designer, art director, illustrator, content creator, digital marketer, film producer or architect.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop.
