Fine Art AS/A Level 3

Applications Open: - 13th October 2025

Applications Close: - 18th November 2025

How to Apply: - Please apply directly to the school via our website www.twggs.kent.sch.uk. Follow the route 'Joining TWGGS', 'Joining The Sixth Form' to complete your application on Applicaa. For enquiries please contact admissions@twggs.kent.sch.uk.

We don't accept applications through Kent Choices.

Entry Requirements: - Entrance Criteria

Pupils entering the Sixth Form will be expected to have attained an average overall GCSE point score of at least 6 from their top 6 subjects. They must also achieve a minimum of a grade 5 in either English Language or Mathematics and a grade 4 in the other of English Language or Mathematics, and are usually expected to achieve at least a grade 7 in the subjects they wish to pursue at A level (or related subjects, as agreed by the school). In addition, pupils wishing to take Art or Design Technology will be expected to submit a portfolio of artwork and pupils wishing to take Music will be expected to have reached at least Grade 5 in their instrument or voice.

Offers will be made on the basis of predicted performance at GCSE, with the requirement that the above grades are achieved in the final examinations prior to entry to the Sixth Form and the pupil’s 3 or 4 chosen subjects being accommodated on the timetable, with no group size exceeding its maximum number of pupils.

All offers made during Year 11 are conditional on pupils meeting the grade criteria specified and will only become firm offers upon confirmation of actual GCSE results.

Exam Board: AQA

FINE ART AS GCE AND ADVANCED A2 GCE

This is a two year course which will provide a stimulating, creative but structured basis for those intending to pursue Art and Design to a higher level. It is recommended that pupils have a GCSE in Art to take this subject at A level.

At TWGGS we follow a Fine Art endorsement which develops the skills of painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and alternative media. Pupils are encouraged to develop these skills in a creative, imaginative, intuitive and intellectual way. The experimental, investigative and practical nature of the course develops aesthetic and critical awareness. The structure of the course, which includes either keeping a working sketchbook or planning sheets and analytical writing analysis, encourages sound working practice and the ability to think sequentially.

For pupils intending to undertake Foundation or Degree Courses, A Level Art is vital and is relevant to a wide range of careers. These include advertising, working in media, architecture, interior design, fashion, theatre, museum, gallery work and, of course, working as an artist. Pupils who have aptitude and interest in the subject but do not intend to take the subject beyond A Level, would also find the course rewarding and challenging.

The course begins with a structured ‘four-term foundation’ designed to introduce pupils to the four-assessment objectives and good A Level practice. Based around a title, all pupils will learn how to:

AO1:

Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

AO2:

Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.

AO3:

Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.

AO4:

Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

UNITS OF ASSESSMENT

COMPONENT 1: Personal investigation

WEIGHTING 60%

Pupils can carry work forward from their ‘four term foundation’ as this component has no time limit.

This needs to be a coherent, in-depth experimental study, supported by written work. The written work includes a more formal and insightful overview of the pupil’s personal investigation. The whole body of work demonstrates the the pupil’s ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning from an initial starting point to a final realisation.

COMPONENT 2: Externally set assignment

WEIGHTING 40%

Start: On receipt of examination paper, in the U6th.

Finish: On completing 15 hours supervised examination, in the U6th.

Following receipt of the examination paper pupils will consider the starting points, select one and carry out an in-depth study (based on assessment objectives AO1, AO2 and AO3) until the start of the unaided, supervised examination time. During the 15 hours examination pupils will produce a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes (AO4), informed by their preparatory work.

You could take this course to complement other advanced level courses or to prepare for the A2 part of an Advanced GCE in Art and Design, which could lead onto higher education in a variety of different media or more general higher education courses. For pupils intending to undertake Foundation or Degree Courses, A Level Art is vital and is relevant to a wide range of careers. These include advertising, working in media, architecture, fashion and textiles, interior design, fashion, theatre, museum, gallery work and of course, working as an artist. Pupils who have aptitude and interest in the subject but do not intend to take the subject beyond A Level, would also find the course rewarding and challenging. 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.