Fine Art A level

For entry into the Sixth Form to study 3 A' Levels, students are required to achieve 5 grades at 9-5 (or where applicable A*-C) including English Language and Mathematics at Grade 4 or above.

In exceptional cases, students that do not reach the entry criteria based on their attainment in English or mathematics will be admitted to the 6th form with the addition of GCSE retake classes in the appropriate subject to their timetable. This based on 6th form discretion.

While we would encourage students to study 3 A levels, in exceptional cases and following conversation at interview we may support a student to study 4. All students will have the option to study for Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A levels.

A grade 6 is recommended in any subject that a student wishes to continue at A Level. Students are welcome to discuss entry criteria for specific subjects and to ensure that their subject choices match their goals and aspirations.

Students wishing to study Mathematics require a grade 6 and in Further Maths require a Grade 7 in the subject at GCSE.

Art and Design: Fine Art

A level - Edexcel

This course has been designed to encourage an adventurous and enquiring approach to Fine Art. The new specification emphasises drawing, research and analysis of artists work as a key feature. Successful students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of past and contemporary Art and design practice and be able to produce work that embraces a range of ideas and a range of traditional, modern and contemporary processes.

Course details:

Component 1: Personal Investigation and Personal study 60%

This component incorporates three major elements; supporting studies, practical work and a personal study. The purpose of the Personal Investigation is to develop a portfolio of practical work and a minimum 1000 words of continuous prose that shows critical understanding in relation to the practical portfolio. Supporting studies in the form of sketch books can help to generate ideas and focus for the practical work and written personal study. This component is intended to form the basis on which you develop your knowledge, skill and understanding in creating a rich visual language within the context of selected ideas. Through class based activities student will develop skills, experiment and explore media, research, contextualise, analyse and review. Through this, students will work on theme based projects developing an understanding of how ideas provide starting points leading to independent and personal enquiry showing the ability to analyse and select ideas, record form source, explore and develop critical and analytical language media and process and realise intentions. A key aspect of the course will be life drawing classes. These will take place for an hour after school for a small charge.

The practical element aims to provide opportunities for you to pursue your own creative, visual ideas for Fine Art. The personal study is an illustrated dissertation on a selected aspect of others’ Art and Design work. You should develop this study in the light of your chosen focus for the practical coursework for this component. You will decide upon your theme for the personal study at the beginning of the Spring term.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment 40%

This component incorporates two major elements; Preparatory studies and the 15 hour period of sustained focus. The externally set assignment should build upon the knowledge, skills and understanding gained from Component 1. The paper is set by the exam board and ideas, experimentation and development are completed in the classroom and independently, leading up to the fifteen hour exam. As with previous component students will show they can develop ideas, explore and experiment with media, develop, apply and refine skills and create and present outcomes.

Assessment

Work presented for assessment must fully cover all four assessment objectives.

Assessment Objective 1 – Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigation.

Assessment Objective 2 – Experiment with and select appropriate resources, media and materials.

Assessment Objective 3 – record in visual and/or other forms ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions.

Assessment Objective 4 – Realise intentions. Present a personal, informed and meaningful response.

To complete an A Level in this subject it is necessary to achieve a Grade 5 at GCSE, although we strongly advise that students should be looking at achieving at least a Grade 6 at GCSE to have a secure platform for entry on to the course.

Where can Art lead you?

An obvious choice would be to follow a career path that involves a foundation degree or a degree in creative and/or expressive arts, leading to a variety of careers in the creative industries such as animation, film, games, photo imaging, publishing, TV, VFX, advertising and marketing communications. However, the A2 course helps you to develop intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive powers. Students who study art have a greater awareness of environmental, cultural and political issues, so the possibilities are endless.