Art and Design: Fine Art - A Level

Applications Open: 3 November 2025 at 9.00am

Applications Close: 31 January 2026 at 5.00pm

Entry Requirements: At least five GCSE's at grade 4 or above. In addition, you will need to achieve specific subject entry requirements for all subjects.

How to Apply - September 2026 entry

Applications will open on Applicaa on 3 November 2025. Please refer to our Course Guide which lists subjects available along with entry criteria - this can be found on our website under Sixth Form Admissions along with our Admissions Policy. Please note our Course Guide for 2025 entry is currently displayed, Course Guide for 2026 will be available shortly.

If you need advice on Sixth Form courses or completing an application, please email sixthformadmissions@sgschool.org.uk or phone 01892 527444.

When applying students MUST enter three subject choices PLUS a reserve - in preference order - one being first choice and four being the reserve.
Please do not enter a fifth choice. Please note some subjects cannot be studied together - these are indicated on the relevant subject page and also in the Course Guide.

Internal Applicants to Sixth Form (current St Gregory’s students)

Our current students will join a Sixth Form Taster Day in September 2025, this is an opportunity to experience Sixth Form subjects and lessons.

All students will receive ongoing support and guidance with the online application process through discussions with dedicated members of staff, subject leaders and members of the Sixth Form team. Students will also receive a session with an external Careers Advisor.

External Applicants to Sixth Form

External applicants will be required to submit their applications via Applicaa using the link provided on the school website on 3 November 2026.

External applicants will also need to complete a Sixth Form Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if they are Catholic or 'Looked After' children. This can be found on the school website under Learn/Sixth Form/Sixth Form Admissions - Supplementary Information Form 2025-26. This must be returned to sixthformadmissions@sgschool.org.uk by the closing date.

Prospective students may be invited into school for a meeting with the Sixth Form team.

The Art & Design A level course enables students to develop their creative, analytical, technical and expressive skills. Students experience a broad range of media and processes and are encouraged to experiment with working in two and three dimensions. Taking risks and leading an in depth exploration is key in creating a successful portfolio of work. Independent project work is informed by artist research and gallery visits provide an essential source of inspiration.

Students make personal and critical judgements in their choice of artist influences and materials.

Independent study commitment: A passion for Art, a motivation to explore and experiment and a continuous commitment to independent study is essential.

Component 1: Personal Investigation

Students compile a substantial portfolio of practical work, supporting studies and outcomes which develop from a range of personal starting points over the two years. The initial thematic unit, 'Inside Out', is workshop led and introduces new techniques as well as encouraging students to be experimental in their approach to drawing. The Personal Study is a 3,000 word illustrated dissertation which forms 12% of the total qualification. Students pursue an enquiry of personal interest, showing a depth of research as well as critical and contextual understanding which is evidenced through an informed critical and contextual investigation.

Assessment: 60% of A Level.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

The Externally Set Assignment is released to Year 13 on 1 February and contains a theme and an array of suggested starting points.

Students research their own choice of contextual sources, record observations and experiment with media and processes. This unit enables them to work to their strengths as they independently lead their development and refinement of ideas towards a final piece of work. The preparatory studies are submitted at the start of a 15-hour timed assessment during which students create their final outcome.

Assessment: 40% of A Level.

GCSE: 5 in Art

Why study Art & Design

The Art & Design A Level course opens opportunities across the design industries. Students will have the chance to pursue personal interests whilst developing their ability to record, research, design and make.

They will create work across a number of disciplines including painting and drawing, photography, graphic design, sculpture, mixed media and ceramics.

In addition, this course provides the opportunity to develop personal expression, imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation and analytical ability.

Where can it lead?

Previous A Level Art students have made careers in fashion, graphics, photography, filmmaking, textile design, car design, art curation, art conservation, architecture, fine art, product design, animation and teaching.

What does it combine well with?

Many subjects complement Art: Photography, Product Design, English, History and Mathematics for those considering Architecture and Design.