Art A-Level
Why study Art A Level?
Art is a course that is both enjoyable and rewarding. It is a chance for you to unlock your creativity and experiment with a range of media, including drawing, painting, digital media and printing. Building on prior skills and knowledge you will develop techniques in a range of artistic styles. You will explore and gain an understanding of the visual world around you and investigate ways to record images and develop your knowledge of genres in art and art history.
The course emphasises the importance of independent learning and self-directed research, exploration and experimentation along with contextual research and academic creative thinking.
Art is not only for students who wish to pursue a career in the artistic industry, it will also allow you to develop transferrable skills such as problem solving, contextual thinking, analysis and greater visual literacy.
Gallery visits are an integral part of the course and students will be encouraged to visit galleries.
Course Content
In the first year students will complete their first portfolio based around skills workshops and life drawing before choosing one of five themes to explore in their externally set assignment.
The following year students will complete their second portfolio and explore all avenues of art, design and craft before receiving their externally set assignment in February which will include a 1000-3000 word written element to the assignment.
Students will enjoy trips and visits to London galleries and museums and specialist workshops through-out the two year course.
Students are encouraged to enter competitions with the likes of the Royal Academy and involve themselves with scholarly lectures from artists at the V&A.
Assessment
Component 1: personal investigation—no time limit—96 marks—60% of A-level.
Component 2: Externally set assignment—Preparatory period + 15 hours supervised time—96 marks—40% of A-level.
Future careers linked to this subject:
The course is a valuable starting point for students considering a career within a creative or media based industry and will promote a questioning and sensitive approach contributing towards a balanced programme of study.
Entry Requirements
Grade 6 in Art GCSE. Students who haven't taken GCSE Art will need to submit a portfolio.
Examination Board
AQA
Teachers to Contact: