Art and Design A Level

Applications open: 10 November 2025

Application deadline: 13th February 2026

Entry Requirements: - 5 x GCSEs Grade 4-9 including English. Maths desirable. Please see individual courses for subject entry requirements. Please visit our website for more information https://www.maplesden.kent.sch.uk/830/welcome

Subject Choices: - You will need to select a minimum of 3 subjects to study and these can be a mixture of A Levels and BTECs with SEFA and MWBA in addition to your full time studies.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

AQA Art and Design (Art, Craft & Design)

All students develop skills through Yr12 and explore a range of materials and techniques, increasingly working towards independence. The following year students will progress in developing what is called the ‘Personal Investigation’ (coursework unit). We follow the AQA Art and Design syllabus and recommend that candidates look at the specification on the AQA website.

Students are encouraged to explore and investigate ideas using a wide range of materials and techniques through a number of tasks that build towards an independent and creative portfolio. We develop work through a number of specialist areas – fine art, graphic, photographic, textiles, 3D design, sculpture and printmaking.

The exam will begin in February when students receive the question paper and they will develop their ideas towards a final outcome to be completed in a 15 hour controlled test in April/May.

No. of Modular Exams/Length/Retake Information:

Students can retake either whole or 50% of the course the following year.

The Art department is available for students to work, with support, after school from Tuesday to Thursday, 3.10pm – 4.30pm.

60% coursework (assessed internally, moderated externally), and 40% exam (externally set and moderated) Final assessment will take place at the end of May.

Grade 5-9 in GCSE Art or other Art based subject

Many opportunities exist within and beyond the creative industries but most of our students progress to a `Foundation Course' such as that providced by UCA.