Art and Design (Fine Art)

Course summary

The study of Fine Art at this level aims to develop an understanding of the nature of visual thinking and its appropriate language, a capacity for creative thought and action as well as to cultivate skills in drawing, painting, photography, printing, sculpture and ceramics. Externally set assignment: 40% of overall mark including eight-week preparatory studies and a 15-hour practical examination. The core elements of the course provide opportunities to explore drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, mixed and digital media. The first half term of the course is usually spent establishing an essential work ethic and building foundations for understanding and realising a visual language, the subsequent terms are spent on personal development and investigation of materials & ideas. The Art department has extensive facilities including two ceramic kilns, a glass kiln, a photographic dark room, painting studios, a printing press, a heat press, a textile printing table, sewing machines and an embellisher. Pupils are encouraged to utilise the facilities on offer. Activities include visits to exhibitions at the main London galleries as well as an option to go on study visits abroad to exciting places such as New York, Florence, Venice and Rome These visits enable candidates to relate their work to that of other artists and designers, both from the present and past. We offer life drawing classes taught by tutors from the Royal Academy of Arts and ‘Master Class Workshops’ will fine-tune your skills and understanding to even higher levels. Workshops arranged with professional tutors over the years have included Carolyn Gendes and Caroline Kirton. Rosie James and Adele Wagstaff including textile and oil painting techniques