Art and Design (Fine Art)

Course summary

Anyone who has a proven ability in the subject and a love of art will be well-suited to this popular A-level. As a 'non content specific' subject it is compatible with virtually every area of learning and its encouragement of the imagination, intuition and individual self-inquiry gives it unlimited value for life. The art department runs a reformed linear course. This means that in the first year, teaching will follow a 'carousel' approach of specific areas such as drawing, painting, print-making, photography, conceptual art and ceramics/3D sculpture. This multimedia course will provide the best all-round training for a career in art and design. Pupils will develop a deep understanding of their chosen specialism and the ability to critically evaluate their own work and that of others. Pupils are then able to tailor their final year of the course to fit their individual needs, choices and aspirations in order to follow their route through to Higher Education. Visits to see art in the flesh are absolutely vital and connections between this activity and the outcomes of it in the pupil's own work is expected and is assessed. The higher grades are not achieved without this requirement being adequately met. Pupils are therefore expected to independently conduct research on field trips and in their own time by visiting galleries and exhibitions. Residential trips in the UK and abroad also provide invaluable opportunities to broaden pupils' knowledge and experiences of art, craft and design from various cultural and contextual perspectives.