At Birkenhead School we follow the 2 year A Level course (AQA Art & Design; Fine Art 7202). The course builds on skills acquired at GCSE with students exploring and creating personal work using a range of 2D and/or 3D art, craft and design processes. Individual responses could take the form of drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media (including textiles) and sculpture. Students’ work is informed and enriched by critical and contextual studies; this is important in establishing good analytical skills and use of appropriate terminology ready for the written element of the Personal Investigation in Year 13. Year 12 is structured to encourage students to experiment with different techniques and approaches while incorporating existing skills at a higher level than previously. At the beginning of the course students work on teacher led projects before moving onto an extended project based on their own interests. Students choose their Personal Investigation theme in the summer term of Year 12, focusing on this throughout the autumn until they receive their exam paper at the start of February in Year 13.
Academic ability is assessed at age 16 by means of GCSE results, an interview and references from the applicant’s secondary schools. The main entry to the Sixth Form is at age 16, following on from GCSE studies. Entry may be available at other times but is subject to places being available and a student meeting the relevant entry criteria for their chosen subjects. Entry Criteria: A minimum of six GCSE passes (grade 6 or above). A minimum of grade 7 at GCSE in subjects that a student wishes to study at A level. A grade 6 may be considered if the applicant has shown a particular commitment and aptitude to succeed in the subject area. In the case of subjects which have not been taken at GCSE, other relevant subjects will be taken into account.
Component 1: Personal Investigation – practical investigation supported by written material Students will conduct a practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme which is supported by written material (3000 words max). The focus of the investigation will be chosen independently by the student and will lead to a finished outcome (or a series of related finished outcomes). The A Level is supported with visits to galleries or other places of relevance to the personal investigation. • No time limit • 96 marks • 60% of A Level Non-exam assessment set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA. Component 2: Externally set assignment Students receive their exam paper on 1st February. They select one starting point from the eight provided. • Preparatory period + 15 hour supervised time • 96 marks • 40% of A Level Non-exam assessment set by AQA, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA. The 15-hour exam is normally timetabled to take place close to the start of Study Leave. All prep work must be submitted at the start of the exam period. The A Level marks come through the Personal Investigation (60%) and the exam component (40%). All work is marked according to Assessment Objectives, similar to those at GCSE. Each AO represents 25% of each Unit’s mark. This is marked in School and then moderated by AQA.
About Education Provider
| Region | North West |
| Local Authority | Wirral |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £13,560 - £14,65 |
| Address | 58 Beresford Road, Oxton, Prenton, CH43 2JD |
At Birkenhead School we follow the 2 year A Level course (AQA Art & Design; Fine Art 7202). The course builds on skills acquired at GCSE with students exploring and creating personal work using a range of 2D and/or 3D art, craft and design processes. Individual responses could take the form of drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media (including textiles) and sculpture. Students’ work is informed and enriched by critical and contextual studies; this is important in establishing good analytical skills and use of appropriate terminology ready for the written element of the Personal Investigation in Year 13. Year 12 is structured to encourage students to experiment with different techniques and approaches while incorporating existing skills at a higher level than previously. At the beginning of the course students work on teacher led projects before moving onto an extended project based on their own interests. Students choose their Personal Investigation theme in the summer term of Year 12, focusing on this throughout the autumn until they receive their exam paper at the start of February in Year 13.
Academic ability is assessed at age 16 by means of GCSE results, an interview and references from the applicant’s secondary schools. The main entry to the Sixth Form is at age 16, following on from GCSE studies. Entry may be available at other times but is subject to places being available and a student meeting the relevant entry criteria for their chosen subjects. Entry Criteria: A minimum of six GCSE passes (grade 6 or above). A minimum of grade 7 at GCSE in subjects that a student wishes to study at A level. A grade 6 may be considered if the applicant has shown a particular commitment and aptitude to succeed in the subject area. In the case of subjects which have not been taken at GCSE, other relevant subjects will be taken into account.
Component 1: Personal Investigation – practical investigation supported by written material Students will conduct a practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme which is supported by written material (3000 words max). The focus of the investigation will be chosen independently by the student and will lead to a finished outcome (or a series of related finished outcomes). The A Level is supported with visits to galleries or other places of relevance to the personal investigation. • No time limit • 96 marks • 60% of A Level Non-exam assessment set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA. Component 2: Externally set assignment Students receive their exam paper on 1st February. They select one starting point from the eight provided. • Preparatory period + 15 hour supervised time • 96 marks • 40% of A Level Non-exam assessment set by AQA, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA. The 15-hour exam is normally timetabled to take place close to the start of Study Leave. All prep work must be submitted at the start of the exam period. The A Level marks come through the Personal Investigation (60%) and the exam component (40%). All work is marked according to Assessment Objectives, similar to those at GCSE. Each AO represents 25% of each Unit’s mark. This is marked in School and then moderated by AQA.