Visual Arts Standard and Higher Level Group 6

Applications Open: 5th December 2025

On Time Applications Close: 31st January 2026

Later Applications: Applications continue to be accepted after 31 January 2026

Entry Requirements: https://www.tgs.kent.sch.uk/sixth-form

How to Apply: Please apply via Tonbridge Grammar School’s website https://www.tgs.kent.sch.uk/apply-to-our-sixth-form

Tonbridge Grammar School does not accept applications via KentChoices.

PLEASE NOTE

Tonbridge Grammar School doesn’t accept applications through Kent Choices - please visit our website to apply https://www.tgs.kent.sch.uk/sixth-form-admissions

Once we have received your application we will contact you for a guidance meeting. This is an opportunity to discuss your course interests or choices and to help you plan the best programme for you.

The course provides thoughtful, meaningful and harmonious balance to academic pursuits by encouraging students to investigate and gain inspiration from the world around them. Through exploring and developing ideas and engaging with the creative process, students aim to locate their ideas within personal and international contexts. Through individual inquiries inspired by cultural art forms, students form their own viewpoint of personal expression.

From an introduction to new skills, techniques and processes, combined with a visit to the collection at the British Museum, students are set on a journey of self-discovery and encouraged to comment visually on the world in which they live. The initial workshops embed skills and give greater confidence within drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, digital media, sculpture and mixed media. Over a period of time, students identify strengths and weaknesses to allow them to develop their own vision as an artist.

All students keep a sketchbook, which is essential to track their ideas, interests and influences. The key points are selected to create the Process Portfolio which becomes evidence of their sustained experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of art-making activities. At the end of the course, the resultant art works are hung to form an exhibition with an accompanying written rationale. During the entire process, students will have been inspired by and respond to art works, 3 of which are then considered in more detail to form the Comparative Study.

Standard Level

• The Process Portfolio of 9-18 screens.

• The Comparative Study of 15 screens.

• The Exhibition is formed by a selection of 4-7 completed artworks.

• Curatorial Rationale- max 400 words

Higher Level

• The Process Portfolio of 13-25 screens

• The Comparative Study of 15 screens (Higher Level students will make connections to their own creations in an additional 3-5 screens).

• The Exhibition is formed by a selection of 8-11 completed artworks.

• Curatorial Rationale- max 700 words

What do students say?
“Art feels like a complete break from everything else. It is completely unique, and stepping into an art room is like a breath of fresh air.” Jessica

Standard Level

Exhibition & Curatorial Rationale (40%)

Process portfolio (40%)

Comparative Study (20%)

Higher Level

Exhibition & Curatorial Rationale (40%)

Process portfolio (40%)

Comparative Study (20%)

All candidates should have GCSE Grade 6 or above (or its equivalent) in English, Mathematics, at least one Science and one language where studied. Standard Level requirement is 6 and Higher Level is 7 or a Visual arts portfolio if not studied at GCSE. Where equivalence cannot be established the School will set appropriate I/GCSE papers to confirm that the applicant is capable of satisfying the academic profile required for the subjects to be studied and the IB Diploma Programme as a whole.

Many students complete foundation courses before their specified degree. Former students have studied History of Art and Architecture degrees at the Courtauld Institute, UCL and Oxford Brookes.