A-Level Programme - Art & Design

A-Level Art will give you the opportunity to explore a wide variety of approaches to fine art. This will include traditional fine art media and techniques such as drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed-media, collage and assemblage, sculptures and ceramics. You will also be encouraged to use photography, digital imaging and editing, moving image and installation.

On our A-Level programme, you will study three or four subjects. Please apply for three or four subjects and use our course selector here to check what options you can do!

A key aspect of studying art at this level is developing an awareness of how your own works relate to the work of other artists and artworks. You will be encouraged to explore the work of others in terms of media, materials and techniques and also in terms of ideas and concepts. You will develop:

• Appreciation of different approaches to recording images, such as observation, analysis, expression and imagination, understanding of pictorial space, composition, rhythm and scale.

• Appreciation of colour, line, tone, texture, shape and form. Understanding of the conventions of figurative/representational and abstract/non-representational imagery or genres and an awareness of intended audience and purpose of artworks.

• Appreciation of different ways of working, including under-painting, glazing, wash and impasto, modelling, carving, casting, constructing, assembling, etching, engraving, dry-point, mono printing, lino printing, screen printing, photo silkscreen and lithography.

• Understanding of how ideas and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and artefacts within fine art.

• Knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary developments within fine art including different styles, movements and genres.

• Awareness of a broad range of artists, artwork and ideas/concepts within fine art.

• Understanding of how images and artefacts relate to social, environmental, cultural and/or ethical contexts, and to the time and place in which they were created.

• A working vocabulary and specialist terminology that is relevant to fine art.

Year 1 Component 1 - Portfolio Coursework (60%)

During the first half of the year, you will develop a portfolio of artwork and supporting sketchbook that explores a variety of media, techniques and ideas.

Year 1 Component 2 - Externally Assessed Assignment (40%)

In February you will receive a question paper with a choice of five questions/themes to respond to. There will be a period of 10 hours under exam conditions towards the end of the year.

Year 2 Component 1 - Personal Investigation (60%)

During the first half of the year you will develop a personal investigation supported by a written project.

Year 2 Component 2 - Externally Set Assignment (40%)

In February you will receive a question paper with a choice of eight questions/themes to respond to. There will be a period of 15 hours under exam conditions at the end of the year.

You will need:

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths and, for this specific subject;

• GCSE grade 5 or above in relevant arts subject or portfolio