Fine Art A Level

Whitstable School, The

Bellevue Road, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 1PX

GCE A/AS Level or Equivalent

Level 3

Available start dates

Tuesday, 01 September 2026

The Whitstable School

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

NULL

Application Instructions

Applications open:- Monday 4th November at 9.00am

Applications close:- 25th August 2026

Entry Requirements: - They vary for each course.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices.

Course Summary

This is an exciting and challenging Art course which aims to encourage a personal approach to a variety of pathways. Students will be assessed on their creative and technical ability and be expected to develop their work independently with teacher guidance and support. Throughout the course students will master a wide variety of media and techniques. They will explore the work of artists and designers in relation to student’s own work, developing analytical and critical understanding.

Course Details

Within their portfolio unit’s students will decide on their own suitable project theme to encourage ownership and a high level of motivation. Themes will be explored independently and developed in a personal way. Students will explore relevant contemporary and historical artists and designers work. Ideas for projects will begin with observational drawing and design work using a variety of media with a focus on experimentation. Students will translate their sketchbook sampling into sophisticated and innovative final pieces based on their theme.

How will it be delivered and assessed?

Unit 1 -Non exam portfolio-The portfolio is marked across four assessment objectives (60%)

Unit 2 - Externally Set Assignment - An externally set project that will have an emphasis on the development of ideas. A choice of questions will be issued by the exam board as a starting point for a personal project.

A supervised practical exam of 15 hours will take place at the end of the project (40%)

Unit 1-Non exam Portfolio 60% Internally and externally assessed. Work is based on a chosen theme and requires research on related artists,

sketchbook work, preparatory studies and final work.

The portfolio is marked across four assessment objectives with a total mark of 96. Students also submit an essay

(1000-3000 words) based on contextual studies related to their practical project

Entry requirements

It is recommended that students have achieved a 5-9 in an Art GCSE or equivalent, preferably in Fine art. If students have not studied Art at Key stage 4 they may be permitted to follow the course if they provide a portfolio to demonstrate suitable artistic ability and motivation to succeed in the course.

Your next steps...

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses such as History of Art or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in Art and Design, which could lead onto higher education in areas of art and design, photography, architecture or more general higher education courses. With further training, you could go into a job related to art and design such as an Architect, Interior Designer, Artist or fashion designer. You could also go straight into a job as the AS GCE is a recognised qualification that will encourage you to explore your creative mind and help you develop the basic skills, understanding and knowledge that many employers across lots of industries are looking for.

For more courses like this, check our courses page.