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Art & Design - Photography

A level and Applied

Art & Design - Photography

Course type: A level
Awarding/exam body: EDUQAS (WJEC)

Are you inquisitive, open-minded and independent in your approach to photography?

Want to explore the way you see the world through your own lens?

If so, this challenging and inspiring course that approaches photography as an artistic discipline is for you. You’ll experiment with photographic concepts and practices, using a range of lens-based techniques and processes, to engage critically with the practice and purposes of photography. We encourage all our Photography students to be inquisitive, open-minded and independent in their approach to the subject.

At Saint Francis Xavier we teach this course using DSLR cameras. Students may use the Art Department’s set of Nikon DSLR cameras, so you are not required to have your own, although we recommend that you do have your own camera if you can. Our projects and workshops give you opportunities to learn all about still and moving photography, camera-less photography, digital editing, lighting techniques, mixed-media experimentation, and installation.

Unit 1: Personal Investigation Portfolio (a coursework unit), 60% of overall mark. It includes a 1000-3000 word assignment.

Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment, 40% of overall mark. The project approach assignment is studied between February and May, and includes a 15 hour exam.

Two coursework projects: the Personal Investigation Portfolio (60%) and the Externally Set Assignment (40%).

Photography students typically progress onto a wide variety of university degree courses in art and design, film and media subjects such as fine art photography, film & television, fashion, animation, advertising, commercial photography, media & communication, visual communication, professional photography, photography & digital imaging, and creative media production.

6 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, preferably including English Language or Maths at Grade 4 or above. An average GCSE Score of at least 4.3.

Grade 4 in Art or Graphic Design, if taken OR Minimum Merit in BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Art. If you haven’t taken an Art-related GCSE course, you may be admitted to the course if you satisfactorily complete a practical assessment task.

Class-based activities.

Visits to exhibitions at The Photographers’ Gallery, The Centre for British Photography, and the Tate Galleries, where students can consider their own work in the context of professional photographers’, artists’ and designers’ practices.

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Courses

Students can take any combination of 30 A level and Level 3 Applied Diploma subjects. Vocational programmes include 11 Level 3 Extended Diplomas, including BTEC, CTEC and University of the Arts courses, and 4 T Levels. We also offer BTEC Level 2 and Foundation options, along with GCSE Maths and English language retakes.

Students

At Saint Francis Xavier, we develop the whole person. Our commitment goes beyond academic achievement; we equip students with the confidence, values, and skills needed to thrive in higher education, employment, and adult life. With an extensive range of courses, our students receive expert teaching in our modern, state-of-the-art facilities.

Female Student

Parents & Carers

Personal Tutors will work with both you and your student to overcome any obstacles and achieve their potential. We build a positive ethos around learning and behaviour, support students with discussion and advice, invite you to progress review evenings, provide each student with an Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and send you full reports.

Male Student

Upcoming Events

Open Evening

Wednesday, 4th March · 4pm – 6pm

Explore your options and secure your offer from Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College for September 2026.

Book your place to visit London’s top performing and friendliest sixth form college with a 97% pass rate in A levels, BTECs, UAL Diplomas and T Levels.

Hire Our Spaces

Hold your next event with us in one of our many available spaces. Choose from: a multi-use games area, sports hall, dining hall and garden, multi-purpose hall, dance/drama studio, fitness suite, meeting/conference rooms, computer suite, chapel and music studio. Kitchen and catering facilities and free parking are also available.

Nursery

‘Happy staff make happy children’

Nightingale’s Nursery is set in the beautiful, secure grounds of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Sixth Form College where children can play outside and help tend the vegetable patch. The nursery follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework and provides a holistic learning environment, paying special attention to the transition from home to nursery, reassuring parents of their child’s wellbeing and progress on a daily basis.

Nightingale’s friendly team builds positive relationships with all the children and parents.

Student with child

What Our
Students Say

The support I received from passionate teachers who pushed me to aim higher, to the tailored guidance with university applications made all the difference. SFX believed in my potential even when I doubted myself, and that encouragement gave me the confidence to pursue my ambitions. Without that foundation, I don’t think I’d be on the path to a legal career today.

Joshua, former Sociology student

Latest News & Blog

Record‑Breaking University Applications at SFX

We’re thrilled to announce that almost 90% of our Year 13 students submitted their university applications ahead of last week’s UCAS deadline – the highest completion rate in our history. Even more impressively: 📈 78% of applications were to Top Third universities 📈 55% were to Russell Group institutions – a 6% increase on 2025 […]

Students Celebrated at the Essential 8 Awards

During the final week of term, students’ achievements were recognised at Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College’s Essential 8 Awards, a celebration of the skills and qualities that underpin success both during college life and beyond. Students were nominated by their teachers and Heads of House for demonstrating aptitude in one or more of the […]

Saint Francis Xavier Sixth Form College announces excellent 2025 Level 3 examination results

We congratulate all our students who received their excellent public examination results today. We are delighted to see results improving on last year’s impressive pass rates across A level, BTEC, CTEC and UAL courses. Our second year T Level results have also been excellent. The overall pass rate at Level 3 was 97%, including 50% […]

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