Art and Design A Level 3

Applications Open: - 8th October 2025

Applications Close:- 20th August 2026

How to Apply: - Please contact The Skinners’ School directly to apply. We do not accept applications via KentChoices

Please see here for more information about our Sixth Form and to complete an application form.

The course is suitable for students wishing to develop and continue their interest in Art and Design. The students will work in an art studio exclusively used by the sixth form artists. They will have their own work areas which they can utilise at any time. The course commences with a foundation in multiple disciplines to broaden their creative horizons and encourage diverse outcomes. The foundation includes:

Photography Collage/multimedia

Alternative approaches to drawing Print processes

Oil painting 3D work

Film

The A Level course is made up of 2 components:

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of qualification)

Part 1: a major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical investigative project/portfolio and outcome/s based on themes and subject matter that have personal significance;

Part 2: an extended written element of 1000 words minimum, which may contain images and texts and must clearly relate to practical and theoretical work

· This unit offers rich opportunities to structure individually led programmes of visual study.

· The students will use a variety of materials and processes.

· Historical and contemporary artists’ studies will be researched and used

· An emphasis is placed on developing ‘personal’ themes for their coursework

· A portfolio of work will be amassed for assessment and an exhibition mounted at the end of the year, open to all pupils, parents and staff at the school.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of qualification)

Part 1: Preparatory study period

Part 2: 15 hour period of sustained focus work

· This is work made in response to a theme set by the Eduqas board.

· It involves eight to ten weeks preparation and a final piece to be completed in exam conditions in 15 hours.

· The requirements and structure of the unit are very similar to the coursework.

• All of the units are internally marked and externally moderated.
• A GCSE in Art at grade A* – B is recommended but not mandatory for entry to Sixth Form Art courses.
• 5 hours of independent study per week is expected.
• Portfolios of visual and written work are required at interview for further education courses in Art and Design.

• An average grade of 48 points over your best 8 GCSEs, normally including Maths, English, Science and a modern Foreign Language (where 58=A*, 52=A, 46=B and 40=C; in Maths and English 9 = 60 points, 8 = 54, 7 = 50 etc.)
• At least an A grade at GCSE in the following subjects, in order to study that subject at A level: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, French and German.
• At least grade 4 in English Language and Maths at GCSE.

Reasons for studying Art:

• The internet has created an explosion of opportunity for digital designers and multimedia artists
• Students can achieve recognition while studying through external competitions
• Those with a wide skill set have an advantage, in any career
• Studying Art improves performance in other subjects
• Good marks impress, no matter what
• Art marks are not solely dependent on an exam
• Coursework teaches you self-discipline
• Art can be highly rewarding and self-assuring