Art & Design (Fine Art) A Level

The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of the nature of visual thinking and its appropriate language and its potential in 21 st century creativity. As such, Art and Design is widely recognised as valuable preparation if you are considering a career in the creative industries (e.g. Fine Art, Architecture, Textile Design, or Game Art Design). It will also enrich your appreciation of the world around you. The course includes painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, print - making and textiles.

Course Description

In Year 12 you will explore a variety of materials in two and three dimensions. These could include oil, acrylic and water colour painting, various printmaking techniques, textile mixed media, digital and darkroom photography, sculpture in various materials and scales, and ceramic construction. There will be a written component which will help contextualise the practical elements of the course. This will total 1000 words and can be spread across more than one project. In Year 13 you will build upon the skills that you have learned in Year 12 to research, plan and develop a unit of coursework which will be assessed at the end of the academic year. In this time you will produce final pieces using skills from the specialisms explored in Year 12. This is generally a 2D and a 3D piece. In winter of Year 13 you will receive your examination question paper which you will use as the basis for your second unit of work for a 15 hour exam set over 2 or 3 days. The exam is approximately 8 weeks after receipt of the exam paper. During your course you will be advised on how to build a portfolio of artwork suitable for entry to a on e year pre-degree Foundation Diploma course in Art and Design or a University Degree.

Beyond A level

The degree courses and careers associated with the Art and Design A level are substantial and varied. A selected list would include fine art, printmaking, sculpture, architecture, interior architecture, environmental and interior design, art history, animation, games design, game art(computer games), alternative media, scenography, industrial design, theatre design, graphic design, product design, constructed textiles, dyed textiles, printed textiles, fine art textiles, fashion, film-based photography, digital photography, film and video production, media and advertising, illustration, typography, installation and interactive media. Students are free to develop their own interests within this course.

The best foundation for success in Art is a grade 6 minimum in an Art and Design related course.