Art and Design (Fine Art)

Course summary

In Year 12 Students follow a teacher–led program until October half term. Through a series of tasks and exercises, they develop observational drawing and painting skills and a greater understanding of the formal elements of visual language and how these can be applied in their practical work. Students also undertake some work in mixed media during this period, along with some photography and image processing. As well as practical skills, students also develop their critical understanding of artworks by applying rigorous methods of analysis and interpretation. Students are guided in their understanding of the A-level assessment criteria with its emphases on development, experimentation, recording, and realization. They also develop research and presentation skills to effectively tackle the more independently driven work that commences after the autumn half term. In Year 13 The year commences in June after the Year 12 exam period is completed. During this ‘summer plan,’ period students tackle a series of teacher-led exercises based on the theme of ‘Viewpoints’, which allow students to work in portrait, still-life, and landscape genres. During this period, students begin to devise personal projects that they will continue over the summer holidays during which time they produce at least one sustained final piece in media of their choice.