Art and Design A Level

Art is a deeply human subject, offering insights into complex ideas and emotions. It is a creative subject for those who enjoy the challenge of communicating their ideas visually.

Over this two year A Level course students will study a wide range of topics including painting, drawing, textiles, fashion, sculpture, digital art and printmaking. You will develop your personal responses to ideas, observations, experiences, environments and cultures in practical, critical and contextual forms.

The course, assessed by a coursework portfolio and final exam, will help you develop skills including: independence of mind in developing your own ideas; an interest and enthusiasm for art and design; the experience of working with a range of media, including traditional and new media and technologies; and an awareness of the different roles, functions, audiences and consumers of art and design.

There will be a range of lesson styles and activiites, including practical hands-on workshops where new techniques and processes are taught.

Both collaborative and individual work are encouraged to give a taster for university and workplace life. Workshops led by artists will help develop your independent practice and you will have the opportunity to visit exhibitions and see first hand the work of other artists.

Students will create a portfolio of work using sketchbooks and folders. A starter pack is purchased from school and all further materials are provided by the Academy.

Art is 60% coursework and 40% exam and is all assessed through your portfolio. The four components that you are assessed on are:

● Recording information, this includes drawing and photography

● Developing ideas by responding to artists’ work

● Refining your ideas and practical work

● Final pieces of work.

5 GCSEs Level 9-4. A GCSE in Art and/or Photography is preferred, otherwise you will require a portfolio.

Someone who is passionate about the arts, filled with creativity and has the ability to analyse contextual issues alongside practical studies with professionalism.

People who study art go on to a range of courses in the future. It is a gateway into the creative industries including film and media, advertising, design disciplines such as fashion, interior design, product design and architecture and of course fine art. Many art students complete a one-year art foundation course before progressing to degree courses.