Art-Fine Art A Level

NEW Applications for September 2026

Applications Open - Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close - Monday 5th April 2026 at 5pm

Entry Requirements - A minimum of six separately identifiable GCSE subjects at grade 6 or above, OR an average of grade 6 in the best six GCSE subjects achieved

At least a grade 5 in both English and Mathematics For most subjects at A Level, a grade 6 in the subject at GCSE is required. However, for A Level Mathematics a grade 7 is required, and for Further Mathematics a grade 8 is necessary

How to Apply - Applications can be made through Kent Choices

Please contact us directly if you have any questions - contact sixthformrecruitment@nks.kent.sch.uk

Open Evening

Thursday 15th January - 6pm - 8pm

Presentations at 6:30pm & 7:30pm

No booking necessary.

Open Mornings - Please visit our school website to book a slot for the open mornings www.nks.kent.sch.uk

Thursday 20th November 2025 9am - 12pm

Thursday 11th December 2025 9am -12pm

Please visit our website for information on consultation meeting if you would like to visit the school and talk to a member of the Sixth Form Team - https://www.nks.kent.sch.uk/page/?title=Sixth+Form+Admissions&pid=33

Fine art requires engagement with aesthetic and intellectual concepts through the use of traditional and/or digital media, materials, techniques and processes for the purpose of selfexpression, free of external constraints.

Fine art may be created to communicate ideas and messages about the observed world, the qualities of materials, perceptions, or preconceptions. It can also be used to explore personal and cultural identity, society and how we live, visual language, and technology.

Fine Art allows us to consider and reflect on our place in the world, both as individuals and collectively.

The Fine Art A Level seeks to engage students with both the aesthetic and intellectual concepts imbued within traditional and contemporary art. Students explore themes through experimenting with traditional and/or digital media, materials and processes in their own designated studio space. Throughout the course, students have an opportunity to communicate ideas and messages about the observed world, the qualities of materials, perceptions or preconceptions. They can also explore personal and cultural identity, society, visual language and technology. Fine Art allows us to consider and reflect on our place in the world, both as individuals and collectively.​​

The course comprises two components: Component 1 begins at the start of Year 12, when students develop their skills by engaging in practical workshops, including painting and drawing, printmaking and ceramics. Students work alongside professional artists to raise the standard of their skills, gain an awareness of working in the arts industry and to find their artistic strengths. Component 2 is an externally set exam by Edexcel. ​​

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Component 1 allows students opportunities to generate and develop ideas, research primary and contextual sources, record practical and written observations, experiment with media and processes, and refine ideas towards producing personal resolved outcomes. It incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work and a personal study.​

Supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development work and outcomes, based on themes and ideas developed from personal starting points. Students are expected to commit to 5 hours of independent study every week, in addition to their timetabled lessons.​​

The personal study will be evidenced through critical written communication, showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum of 1,000 words of continuous prose, which may contain integrated images. The personal study comprises 12% of the total.​​

Incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies during lesson and homework studies, and a 15-hour period of sustained focus under controlled conditions.

GCSE grade 6 in Art & Design or BTEC Art course Distinction Award.

Animation, Architecture, Art History, Art Psychotherapy, Concept Artist, Fashion Design, Game Artist, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Museum/Gallery Curator, Press Photographer, Textile Design, Product Design, Visual Communication, Special Effects Artist, Stage Set and Costume Design and more.