Photography

Diss High School

Walcot Road, Diss, Norfolk, IP22 4DH

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Wednesday, 02 September 2026

Diss High School

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

A Level Photography will introduce you to a variety of experiences that explore a range of photographic media, techniques, and processes. You will explore both traditional and new technologies. You will produce work in one or more of the following areas: portraiture, landscape photography (urban/rural/coastal), still life, documentary photography, fashion photography and experimental imagery.  Photography encourages self-expression and creativity as well as a sense of individual identity.  Photography offers opportunities to use your creativity to express yourself, explore how ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images. The course will guide your through historical and contemporary developments as well as different styles and genres of Photography. You will develop a working vocabulary and an understanding of specialist terminology relevant to your chosen areas of study. Photography will enable you to work independently and to make your own discoveries by exploring ideas and other photographers' work. Learning through and about the arts enriches the experience of studying while at school.

Course Details

Component 1: Personal investigation

This unit of work is a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept, or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation will be identified by you and will lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. The investigation will be informed by an aspect of contemporary or past practice of photographers, digital artists, and designers. This component is non-exam assessment and will be internally and externally moderated using assessment criteria. This component is marked out of 96 marks and contributes 60% to the overall weighting of the A Level.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

This assignment is externally set by the exam board. For this, you will be provided with exam papers on 1 February. The exam paper will consist of a choice of eight questions/themes to be used as starting points. You are required to select one on which to base your personal response.  Following the preparatory period, you will complete 15 hours of unaided, supervised time. This component is non-exam assessment and will be internally and externally moderated using assessment criteria. This component is marked out of 96 marks and contributes 40% to the overall weighting of the A Level.

Entry requirements

Grade 5 in GCSE Art and Design; or submit a portfolio of images.

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