The new A Level in Photography is a two year course, which has two components. Coursework which counts for 60% of the final grade, and an exam which takes place at the end of the second year which counts for the remaining 40% coursework starts with an investigation into a range of different photographic techniques and processes, including photo shop. Then, after selecting a personal starting point, they will take their own photographs which will be used as a basis for experimentation. This will enable them to develop and refine their ideas and lead to a creative finished piece of work. They will also undertake an in-depth written study and analysis of an aspect of photography and artist’s work that relates to their ideas. Candidates receive the exam paper at the beginning of February of the second year and after a planning and preparation time of approximately eight weeks; undertake a fifteen hour exam during which they produce a finished piece of work.