Art and Design (Fine Art) Summary

This lively and popular course is suitable for students that have a passion or interest in Art and Design and have achieved a higher grade in this subject at GCSE level. It is a subject that develops creative and analytical skills alongside practical visual communication techniques. During the course, students will explore ideas that will lead them on a personal journey allowing the opportunity to produce outcomes in a range of media and techniques. They will learn how to analyse, evaluate and respond to the work of a range of different artists and practitioners.  

Entry Requirements

A GCSE equivalent to grade 6 or above in Art or a creative based subject OR by interview. 

Course Duration

2 years full-time

Specification

AQA

How you will study

During the first term, students will work on a range of skills and ideas to extend their knowledge of artists and experiment with a variety of media. There will also be a focus on gaining confidence to work on bigger scales, trying new techniques and improving existing skills. This work will lead into the assessed Personal Investigation which will begin with a starting point of the student’s choice. 

Component breakdown

Component 1 – (60%)

Personal Investigation. Students will visit London galleries and choose artists to inspire the direction of their ideas. This personal journey will conclude in a final presentation of work until February half term of Year 13. This component also requires students to produce a 1000-3000 word essay to summarise their investigation.

Component 2 –  (40%)

Externally Set Task. The examination component requires students to produce a unit of work responding to a question set by the exam board AQA. Students will receive an exam paper with a choice of questions. On making their choice, students will investigate a range of ideas as part of their assessed prep work which concludes in a final piece completed during a 15 hour controlled assessment.

A Level Art courses can lead into higher education at college or university or into employment. Career prospects include:  

  • Fine Art 
  • Graphic Design 
  • Theatre and Film Set Design 
  • Fashion Design 
  • Costume Design 
  • Textile Design 
  • Architecture/Interior Design 
  • Illustration 
  • Animation 
  • Photography 
  • Advertising, 
  • Art therapy