OCR A Level Art & Design: Photography specification (H603)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your OCR A Level Art & Design: Photography exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official OCR A Level Art & Design: Photography specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official OCR A Level Art & Design: Photography (H603) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official OCR specification PDF.
Specification overview
The OCR A Level in Art & Design: Photography (H603) fosters independence, creativity, and critical thinking by encouraging learners to explore photographic media in both traditional and digital formats. Through practical and contextual study, students develop technical ability, visual communication skills, and aesthetic understanding. The course supports specialisation in chosen photographic disciplines and provides opportunities to build a portfolio that reflects individual interests and real-world contexts. It prepares learners for further study or careers in the creative sector by enhancing their understanding of photography’s role in society and the arts.Subject content breakdown
2c(iv). Content of Art and Design: Photography (H603)
- Develop practical and theoretical knowledge in photographic media.
- Use traditional film-based and/or digital techniques to produce outcomes.
- Specialise in particular media or processes to show depth.
- Develop drawing skills to support visual communication in photography.
Areas of Study:
- Portraiture
- Landscape photography
- Commercial photography
- Still-life photography
- Documentary photography
- Experimental imagery
- Editorial photography
- Photographic installation
- The photographic process
- Moving image
- Animation
Techniques may include:
- Darkroom and film processing
- Digital camera and editing software
- Lighting, exposure control
- Animation and moving image
- Alternative printing processes (e.g. screen printing, toning)
Skills:
- Apply photographic composition, scale, and formal elements (colour, tone, texture, shape, form).
- Select, edit, and manipulate images.
- Use photographic language and terminology.
- Understand genres and conventions in photography.
Knowledge and Understanding:
- Technologies, materials, and techniques relevant to chosen study areas.
- Evolution of genres and styles in photographic history.
- Interpret and communicate meaning through photographic work.
- Link imagery to cultural, social, and historical contexts.
- Use accurate specialist vocabulary.
Assessment structure
Component 01: Personal Investigation
- Internally marked, externally moderated.
- 60% of total A Level.
- Includes:
- A practical portfolio based on a self or centre-devised brief.
- A related study (minimum 1000 words) exploring contextual links.
- Must show coverage of all four Assessment Objectives.
Component 02: Externally Set Task
- Issued on 1 February.
- Includes 7 themes with written and visual prompts.
- Includes preparatory period and 15 hours of supervised time.
- Centres set and manage timeframes for both phases.
- Must demonstrate a personal and meaningful response.
Assessment Objectives (25% each)
- AO1: Develop ideas with contextual and analytical understanding.
- AO2: Explore and refine techniques, materials, processes.
- AO3: Record observations and reflect on progress.
- AO4: Present personal responses with connections across elements.
Key tips for success
Doing well in your OCR A Level Art & Design: Photography isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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