Why study this subject?

• If you enjoyed the challenges and rewards at GCSE – A level Fine Art gives you the opportunity to develop your creativity further.
• Mostly a practical hands-on approach to learning, with a small element of written work.
• Provides you with opportunities to develop personal responses to ideas, through experimentation, observations, experiences, environments and cultures, in practical manner.
• You will be developing your critical thinking skills and understanding contextual forms, while producing an amazing portfolio of art work.
• It allows students/teachers to work together, to build on strengths and progress through weaknesses.
• The A2 assessments are designed to stretch and challenge, while assessing a wide range of your creative skills.
• Use of synoptic assessment means you can demonstrate your knowledge and understanding within this subject as a whole, moving back and forth. This course is not linear.

What will the subject include?

• A-level Art and Design is a full-time two-year course.
• It offers a natural progression from GCSE.
• Divided into 2 sections:
  • Component 1: Personal investigation (60%) Sept year 1 to Christmas year 2.
  • Component 2: Externally set task   (40%)     Spring term year 2.
• Recap GCSE, then further develop, using a variety of art materials and techniques.
• Component 1:
  • Start off with teacher led topics such as …. portraiture, landscape, still life, human form, abstraction, experimental imagery, narrative, working in a genre.
• Progress creatively and independently into a topic you want.
• Mostly drawing, painting, mixed media.
• A related written study – no less than 1000 words.
• Component 2:
  • Externally set test.
  • Paper released on 1^st February in the second year.

Where will it lead?

• This specification lays an appropriate foundation for further study of Art and Design, or related subjects in Higher Education, such as:
  • Foundation Course
  • Diploma
  • Degree
• It offers a practical hands-on approach to gaining a foot in the door for a variety of careers … media, television, theatre, computer design, free-lance artist, teaching, museums and galleries, fashion, magazines, photography, film, costume design, interior design, architect, garden design, graphic designer, game design, etc.
• In addition, it is suitable for the diverse range of candidates who wish to develop their interest in and enjoyment of Art and design, fostering its value in lifelong learning.

Which other subjects complement this subject?

• Textile design, graphic design, product design, ICT, engineering, psychology, history, photography, media, religious studies, film studies.
• Drama, music, dance (if you take the diploma route in college afterwards).
• Whether you are majoring in the arts, a technical subject, or a science; encouraging your own creativity is always a bonus and can help you understand life, or think outside the box when needed in your other subjects.

Subject specific requirements?

• GCSE Art and Design – 6 or above.
• Any equivalent examination – for example – BTEC.
• A portfolio of your KS4 work will be required for interview.