Art Summary

The Art and Design course is designed to stimulate creativity, offering a high degree of choice and the opportunity to work in a range of different media, processes and techniques. We offer the Art, Craft and Design option which allows you to produce work which suits your style and interests and includes fine art, graphic, textile, 3-d design and photographic approaches. On this practical course, you will learn by doing: refining your skills, whilst you develop your creativity and independent thinking. You will learn to express yourself visually and let your imagination flourish.

The study and analysis of the work of other artists and designers is an important source of inspiration, and you will be encouraged to visit exhibitions and do location research as starting points for your work. As well as helping you to develop your personal interests and style as you complete your coursework for the A level, we will support you in putting together a portfolio of work that can be shown to prospective employers or used to help secure a place in higher education.

Entry Requirements

  • GCSE Grade 4 or higher in an Art based subject

Course Duration

2 years full-time

Specification

AQA

How you will study

In Year 12, the focus is on experimenting and learning new skills, as well as refining your existing ones, through a series of workshops and practical tasks. You will also work in sketchbooks where you can develop your personal ideas more fully.

From the summer term of Year 12, you will work on your personal investigation, an extended project based on a theme you have chosen. Component 2 runs from February to May in Year 13.

Component breakdown

Component 1 – Personal Investigation
This includes an extended practical project based on a theme of your choice as well as a written investigation of 1000-3000 words based on your research into artists who inspire your work. Component 1 makes up 60% of your final A level grade.

Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment
You will produce personal work in response to one of 8 themes, or starting points, given by the exam board. This work culminates in a 15 hour exam during which time you will produce your final outcome (or exam piece). This assignment makes up 40% of your A level grade.

We have an excellent record of students being offered places on degree courses directly from doing their A Levels on the strength of their exciting portfolios. Previous students have gone on to study:

  • Fine Art
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Animation
  • Fashion design
  • Theatre Design
  • Architecture
  • Photography

 

 

Possible career options include:

  • Architect
  • Art therapist
  • Animator
  • Computer Game Designer
  • Community Arts Worker
  • Fashion Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Interior Designer
  • Jeweller
  • Medical Illustrator
  • Museum/Gallery Curator
  • Printmaker
  • Product Designer