Fine Art A Level

Sixth Form Open Evening- Wednesday 5th November 5-7pm

Applications Open - Now!

Applications Close - End of Term 4 2026. Please contact Mrs Silvester if you would like to apply after this date (lucy.silvester@swale.at)

Entry Requirements: - Generally 5 grade 5s or above in GCSE, including English and Maths but some subjects do vary.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

The course aims to develop student understanding of the creative process and learn to communicate through visually exciting sketchbooks, study sheets, sculpture or mixed media work. Five broad areas are studied; Drawing and painting, mixed media collage, ceramics, sculpture and printmaking (relief, intaglio and screen processes). Students are encouraged to investigate each area, exploring ideas and insights, to enable the selection of a preferred area, which will be specialised in.

The course is structured via focused workshops which builds a foundation of skills based knowledge. These explorations will be recorded in a variety of different visual formats for example; painted canvas, stitched sketchbooks or several mini handmade paper journals, the choice will be individual. Skills based workshops will be complimented by gallery visits to London, visiting artist workshops, location visits and opportunities to work with external educational providers..

One sustained project will provide the opportunity to refine skills in a preferred chosen area, before producing a highly personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme. It is expected that students will identify independently the starting point of the investigation which leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.

The course is 100% coursework, via a professional portfolio of work. There are two units which make up the portfolio; component 1 which counts for 60% of the total mark and component 2 where personal work is produced in response to one of five exciting starting points, this component counts for 40% of the mark.

The portfolio showcases best work; time is taken at the end of the course to edit the portfolio to reflect this.

In addition to the general requirements for access onto A Level courses pupils would be expected to achieve grade 5 in an arts based GCSE.

Alongside practical expertise, students will learn transferable skills valued in both higher education and the world of work, for example analytical thinking, creative problem solving and working independently. The course is a spring board into a wide range of degree options, from fashion to film, graphics to jewellery.