A Level Art, Craft and Design

Applications Open – Monday 3 November 2025

Applications Close – Friday 13 February 2026

Entry Requirements – Can be found on the course booklet on our website: https://4905753ff3cea231a868-376d75cd2890937de6f542499f88a819.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/bartoncourt/uploads/document/Sixth-Form-course-booklet-2026.pdf

How to Apply – Please apply via KentChoices

Art, Craft and Design is a broad-based course exploring practical and contextual work through a range of 2D and 3D processes and media associated with a wide variety of disciplines, offering something for everyone. The specification directly supports progression to further and higher education in Art and Design and related subjects, as well as providing all students with a platform to inspire a lifelong interest in, and enjoyment of, Art and Design. So if you are a GCSE art student wanting to take your passion to the next level, we can help by bringing you new and exciting techniques and opportunities. You will explore the use of drawing for different purposes, using a variety of methods and media on a variety of scales. Why not try printmaking, sculpture, life drawing, digital photography, textiles or alternative media? How about developing your drawing and painting to a higher standard? We can offer you an exhilarating yet supportive environment to unleash your creative potential.

Areas of study

Students must show evidence of working in areas of study drawn from two or more of the endorsed titles listed below:

• Fine Art
• Graphic Communication
• Textile Design
• Three Dimensional Design
• Photography

Component 1: Personal investigation

This is a practical investigation supported by written material. Students are required to conduct a personal investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.

Component 2: Externally Set assignment

The Externally Set Assignment represents the culmination of the A Level course. The question paper will consist of a choice of eight questions to be used as starting points. Preparatory period from 1 February. Students should consider the starting points and select one. Following the preparatory period, students must complete 15 hours of unaided, supervised time. In the 15 hours students must produce a finished outcome or series of related finished outcomes, informed by their preparatory work.

Component 1 Personal investigation counting for 60% of the total A Level marks

Component 2 Externally set assignment counting for 40% of the total A Level marks

Entry requirements

Sixth Form entry requirements, including Art or Textiles at grade 6 or BTEC Level 2 Art Distinction or a portfolio of work (if not studied at GCSE).

Following on from Foundation and Degree Courses in a wide variety of disciplines, students can embark on careers in: architecture, fashion design, history of art, art conservation, art therapy, web design, computer game design, interior design, teaching, photography, graphic design, etc. The creative industries are the fastest growing part of the UK economy. They contributed £101.5 billion (in 2018) which is greater than automotive, aerospace, life sciences and oil and gas sectors combined.