A level

Applications Open - waiting for information from school

Applications Close - waiting for information from school

Entry Requirements: - GCSE grade 5 in English (Language or Literature) and GCSE grade 5 in Mathematics

Entry criteria for individual subjects must be met in order to access those courses.

How to Apply:

External Applicants - please apply via KentChoices

Internal Applicants - there is no need to apply via KentChoices, please visit Talisman for further information

ART & DESIGN: FINE ART or GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

Examining Board: OCR

Head of Department: Mr J Collins

This subject aims to allow you to extend and further develop your abilities gained through GCSE Art and Design

and encourages you to experiment with a variety of different processes and methods. It also asks you to consider

the work of professional artists in relation to your own work, and to form an understanding of the nature of art

and design by developing a body of work that is personal and expressive.

The Art department at The Harvey Grammar School offers the opportunity to study in one of two areas: Fine Art or

Graphic Communication. Either of these courses will give you a foundation of skills and experiences that will

prepare you for a future in art and design.

If you are aiming to go on to Art College after A levels, you can choose your other subjects with comparative

freedom – your portfolio of work will be the deciding factor. The best arts-based degree courses normally expect

students to have studied Art at A level and have completed a Foundation Course.

Fine Art

The course is project based and will encompass a wide range of media, including Drawing and Painting, Printing,

Sculpture, Ceramics and 3-D Design and computer based Graphic Fine Arts. We do not seek to impose a particular

dogma of practice or house style but aim to enable the development of an individual approach in an atmosphere

of ambitious expectation. Drawing, in its broadest sense, forms the foundation or departure point for most work.

After this initial reinforcement of the basic language and technical skills, you will be expected to work with a high

degree of self-direction and produce very personal responses. In addition, you will be encouraged to visit

exhibitions, work in the local community and spend private study time developing your artwork.

Graphic Communication

The course offers the opportunity to gain a fundamental understanding of visual communication, encouraging you

to identify your own strengths and interests in the subject as the course progresses. You will explore a variety of

image making techniques, incorporating computer based Graphics, Illustration, Printmaking and Photography.

Alongside Drawing you will develop an appreciation of Graphic Arts including Typography, Calligraphy and the use

of signs and symbols. Audience and the professional context of Graphic Communication form the focus for the

projects. In the Design Studio you will work to strict deadlines and take part in regular group critiques. In addition,

you will be encouraged to attend Exhibitions and aim to spend private study time working in the Art department.

In both areas of Art and Design trips to galleries and museums form an important part of your project and exam

work. Your personal investigation (60%) and externally set task (40%), will be assessed on manipulative and

analytical skills, aesthetic qualities, knowledge and critical understanding. There are clearly defined assessment

objectives for each of these areas, through which your teacher will guide you.

Entry Criteria: GCSE grade 6 in Art

Arts based degree courses include: Graphic Communication, Illustration, Web Design, Fine Art, History of Art,

Architecture, Ceramics, 3-D and Product Design, Fashion, Textiles, Furniture Design, Glass Design, Graphic Fine Art,

Industrial Design, Jewellery, Photography, Film Studies and Animation. Whether you choose Fine Art or Graphic

Communication, you will acquire a range of skills and experiences that could lead to one of an ever-increasing

number of career opportunities in a widening spectrum of fields from Fine Art and Design to TV/Film and Theatre.