Clarendon Sixth Form College

Course content & format

This two-year Vocational A Level in Photography offers an immersive and comprehensive exploration of image-making, blending traditional darkroom processes with contemporary digital practices. Designed for students with a passion for visual storytelling, the course develops both technical proficiency and conceptual depth. Through hands-on learning, historical and contextual studies, and exposure to industry-standard tools and techniques, students gain the confidence to produce work that is both visually sophisticated and intellectually engaged. The curriculum encourages independent thinking, personal expression, and prepares learners for progression into higher education or careers in the creative industries. Through a carefully structured sequence of workshops, learners gain hands-on experience with a wide range of photographic processes—both historical and contemporary. These workshops are specifically designed to foster independent creative thinking, enabling students to develop their own visual language and artistic identity. Critical and contextual studies support this practical work, ensuring that students become not only skilled practitioners but also reflective and informed visual communicators. This programme explores the role of photography in society—from 19th-century documentation to 21st-century digital narratives—equipping students with the contextual knowledge to inform their practice and refine their visual language.

Your unique experience

Assessment is designed to reflect real-world photographic and academic expectations. You will be assessed through a variety of methods that demonstrate both technical skill and conceptual understanding:

Practical assignments and photographic portfolios

Extended written work including artist research and critical reflection

Presentations and visual case studies

Peer critiques and classroom discussions

Controlled set tasks completed under supervised conditions after a preparation period

Regular feedback, group critiques, and collaborative projects will help you refine your ideas. The course includes portfolio reviews from industry professionals to help shape your work and meet industry standards. Live briefs, exhibitions, and collaborations with local businesses provide real-world experience, while enrichment opportunities such as gallery visits and photography-focused trips further inspire and broaden your perspective. Every learner is fully supported on their creative journey, ensuring they are well-prepared to progress to the next stage of their career.

What Makes This Course Unique?

Professional Photography Studio: Outfitted with high-end strobes, modifiers, and backdrops for advanced lighting control.

Fully Equipped Darkroom: Supporting chemical-based black-and-white film processing and printmaking.

Digital Imaging Suite: Featuring calibrated monitors and Adobe Creative Cloud software for advanced editing and output.

Specialist Camera Systems: Including full-frame DSLRs, medium format systems, and large format view cameras.

Alternative Process Lab: Enabling exploration of experimental and historical processes, such as cyanotype, lumen prints, and photograms.

Balanced instruction in analogue and digital image-making

Access to professional photography studios and specialist darkroom

Opportunities to explore rare historical processes

Live projects and real client briefs for commercial experience

Public exhibition of student work in a dedicated gallery space

Guidance on portfolio development and university application support

Extended access to facilities to support personal projects

Entry Qualifications

You are required to have 4 GCSEs grade 9 to 4 including maths and/or English.

A demonstrable interest in the media sector is essential.

No previous experience of photography is necessary; however, a strong interest in the production process is beneficial.

A successful interview with a Photography tutor

Excellent verbal and written communication skill

You will be interviewed for this course, should be enthusiastic about working in the Creative sector and able to participate in work experience.

How is this course assessed?

This is a graded course where you can achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

What can I do next?

- Some of our learners go straight from their courses into the creative industry with confidence, securing roles such as production assistant, photographer's assistant, or digital content creator, ready to continue developing their skills and progress within the sector.

- Many of our learners move on to higher education at university, pursuing courses such as Photography, Photojournalism, Film and Photography, Fashion Photography, Fine Art Photography, Documentary Photography, Media Production, Film Production, Graphic Design, and Content Creation.

- Others opt for an Apprenticeship or Degree Level Apprenticeship in the creative industries, further honing their craft while gaining valuable on-the-job experience.

- Ultimately, employment opportunities within the photography and creative industries are vast, with roles such as photographer, studio assistant, digital content manager, photo editor, cinematographer, lighting technician, social media manager, digital marketing officer, photography director, photojournalist, and advertising executive, to name just a few. The skills and experiences gained on the course provide a solid foundation for any career in the visual media and creative sectors.