Photography (GCEA)
at Southmoor Academy, Sunderland · school or sixth form
What the college says
AQA Level 3 Advanced GCE in Art and Design A level photography provides students with opportunities to develop personal responses to ideas, observations, experiences, environments and cultures in practical, critical and contextual forms. As a subject it stimulates and develops the imagination and critical thinking as well as strengthening problem-solving skills. This is a four component specification, two at AS level and two at A2. Students need to: •Research the work of photographers as a source of inspiration and ideas / annotate and analyse •Developing your own ideas leading to individual responses and outcomes •Gain an ability to understand the formal elements of composition / the craft of taking a photograph •Be willing to experiment and try out ideas to develop their own work •Be very willing to work independently of school throughout the course. Pupils must have a DSlR camera of their own for the start of the A level course. Entry requirements pupils should have studied GCSE photography at KS4. They would need to have achieved at least a 'B' grade. Students who can demonstrate a keen interest in the subject /show talent, and may have missed out on doing GCSE could be considered for the course with an interview. AS component 1: Portfolio of work •60% of AS •no time limit •Marked by the centre and moderated by AQA component 2: AS Externally Set Assignment •40% of AS •preparatory period leading to 10 hours supervised time •Marked by the centre and moderated by AQA A2 comp
What you need to get on
AS Level Photography
How you are assessed
Academic subjects, mostly exams, three or four at once. The traditional route to university.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Southmoor Academy 6th Form
Ryhope Road, Sunderland, SR2 7TF
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 8 September 2026 · Sunderland
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
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