Course information
Art and Design (Fine Art)
St Paul's Catholic School, a Voluntary Academy - Leicester
01162414057
Spencefield Lane, Leicester, LE5 6HN
Course summary

The best foundation for success in A’ level Fine Art is a good grade in GCSE Art and design. Above all, you should have an interest in creating and understanding art and the determination to develop that interest. In exceptional circumstances, students without a GCSE in Art will be considered on the strength of their portfolio. The main purpose of the course in art, craft, and design is to develop your ability to appreciate the visual world, to respond in a personal and creative way, and to express your thoughts, ideas, and feelings. You will develop your imaginative and creative powers and your experimental, analytical, and documenting skills. You will also develop a specialist vocabulary and the knowledge and understanding of the place of art, craft, and design in history and in contemporary society. The specific skills you acquire will be determined to some extent by the area of study you choose – for example, graphic design, photography, film, textiles, or fine art. Whether you see yourself as a painter, a fashion designer, or a filmmaker, the same basic rules and skills apply. The majority of the A-level students move on to a Foundation Course in Art and design, where they finally decide on a specialism. A Level GCE in Art & Design is suitable for students: • Who wish to study art, craft, and design at a higher level usually at art college or further education; • who are looking to take up careers for which an art background is relevant, for example, careers in advertising, publishing, architecture, museums, theatre, art gallery work or teaching/lecturing, illustration, fine art; with an interest in and aptitude for the subject who do not intend to study it further, but who see it as an opportunity for enjoyment, personal growth and expression.

Entry requirements

Students will be expected to have met St Paul’s entry requirements of 2 Grade 5’s and 4 Grade 4’s. A minimum of grade 4 in English and Maths is essential for all courses.

How you'll be assessed

The course is designed to be fun, exciting, and thought-provoking for the students and builds on your individual strengths. It is made up of two units: Coursework Thematic inquiry (based on a theme of Environment or Journey) is 60% of the overall mark. This unit is concerned with the relationship between exciting ideas and Art and design practice. Ideas provide the starting point for much Artwork and as work is produced ideas and outcomes will change and develop. You will also have opportunities to develop an understanding of the expressive nature of the formal elements of art and design and express your ideas, creating a personal and engaging sketchbook or portfolio of work. This includes a separate critical study of 1500 words. Exam Theme provided by EDEXCEL exam board. The question paper for this unit will provide you with one interesting and quite broad starting point, such as ‘Icons’, ‘The Environment’, ‘Rituals’ etc. You will have an eight-week preparation period, during which time you can discuss your work with your teacher. You should undertake investigative preparatory work in your work journals throughout the course. You will also have an exam of ten hours of unaided work.

School Info

About Education Provider

RegionEast Midlands
Local AuthorityLeicester
Ofsted RatingGood
Gender TypeCo-Educational
AddressSpencefield Lane, Leicester, LE5 6HN