Art and Design (Fine Art)

Course summary

A-level Art encourages you to develop ideas with much greater freedom and experimentation from GCSE. Through a rich variety of termly project tasks, you are allowed to experience different approaches to Ar. The Department views art as both an intellectual and creative subject; it is one of how we interpret, express and understand our place in the world and as such is viewed as an important aspect of education, as well as having a significant place in the contribution to the UK’s economy and job market. You will develop your creativity, imagination and knowledge through sustained projects, which challenge you to develop your ideas and intentions through personal, individual responses. Exploration of materials through pushing boundaries and finding innovative ways of creating artworks are key to the development of a personal language and understanding of the nature of art or photography. The courses are aimed at preparing students for subsequent study in foundation and degree pathways, reflecting the values and concerns of art education at these higher levels and of the nature of contemporary art practice in a diverse and exciting world of work, commonly known as the creative industry. On completion of your Art course, you might progress to further or higher education. These may include: • An extended diploma in art foundation course • A creative degree course of your choice at the University • An arts apprentice • The qualification may accompany other career paths but demonstrating your approach to creative problem-solving There are many careers within the creative industry. Most of these do require further study at an art school, further education college or university. If you are unsure about whether to make a career in the subject, the best thing to do is to speak to your teacher who will know about the courses on offer in your area or elsewhere. At present most students wishing to take Art go on to do a one-year ‘Foundation’ course at a college of further education or university before applying to degree courses in more specialist areas of art and design e.g. Art Foundation to specialise in Graphic design at the university level.