A level Art & Design

Applications Open: - 3 November 2025 at 8.00am

Applications Close: - 2 June 2026 at 8.00am

Entry Requirements: - At least five grade 4s or above, which should include English and Maths.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

Please note an Extended Certificate is the equivalent of one A-Level, a Foundation Diploma one and half an A-Level and Diploma the equivalent of two A-Levels. Students should apply for one Diploma and one Extended Certificate or three Extended Certificate subjects.

Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of two-dimensional and/ or three-dimensional media, processes and techniques. They should be made aware of both traditional and new media. Students will explore the use of drawing for different purposes, using a variety of methods and media on a variety of scales. Students may use sketchbooks/workbooks/journals to underpin their work where appropriate. Students should explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of art, craft and design, from the past and from recent times, including European and non-European examples.

The course consists of two units both of which are assessed internally and moderated externally.

Unit Unit 1 (M)

Title: Portfolio that shows development of understanding and skills.

Weighting 60%

Unit 2 (M)

Title: Externally set assignment

Weighting 40%

Assessment Non-exam assessment over 15 hours,

There is synoptic assessment in both components of the A-level that provide stretch and challenge opportunities for students as follows:

Component 1, students develop work based on an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. Practical elements should make connections with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of artist(s), designer(s), photographers or craftspeople and include written work of no less than 1000 and no more than 3000 words which supports the practical work.

Component 2, students respond to a stimulus, provided by AQA, to produce work which provides evidence of their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response which addresses all the assessment objectives and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.

GCSE at Grade 5+ or BTEC/NCFE at Merit+ in an artistic discipline, as well as Grade 5 in GCSE English. Candidates without a Level 2 qualification in an artistic discipline will be considered through interview.

This course 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.