The History of Art A Level is a two year course, which allows our girls to develop a wide skills set, preparing them very effectively for university and beyond; art history’s inter-disciplinary benefits are key to this. This course develops students’ understanding of the relationship between society and art; art historical terms, concepts and issues; the influence of cultural, social and political factors, as well as developments in materials, techniques and processes of both art and architecture over time. The inclusion of specified artists and a selection of works from beyond the European tradition provides clear guidance on areas of study and reflects the need for an appropriate global specification in our modern world. In addition to gaining a cohesive and cumulative knowledge of influential art movements, candidates develop many highly valued transferable skills including visual literacy, analytical thinking, evaluation, research and debate, as well as constructing relevant, concise and thoroughly evidenced arguments. Over the two-year course, students will develop the skills and understanding to enjoy a lifetime of access to, and appreciation of, the culture, heritage and ideas of the world around them.
For 16+ entry into our Sixth Form, your daughter will be required to sit three examination papers during the first week of November in the year prior to entry. Two of these papers are in subjects which your daughter is currently studying, or which she wishes to study in the Sixth Form at Downe House, as well as a General paper. These examinations are usually taken at your daughter’s current school and practice papers are available on request. Candidates are required to achieve a minimum of seven I/GCSE examinations at Grade 6 (B) or above, preferably with Grade 9/8 (A*) in those subjects she wishes to study in the Sixth Form. If your daughter does not follow an education system with formal examinations at 16+, further testing may be required and a transcript of grades acquired from their previous school. On completion of examination papers, successful candidates will be invited for an interview by the Head of Sixth Form and the Headmistress at the end of November. Offers will be made in December. There are also a number of scholarships available for pupils joining the Sixth Form. We strongly recommend early registration for your daughter. All offers and places are completed by April of the year prior to entry and availability of places in our Sixth Form is very limited.
Paper 1: Visual analysis and themes (Paper code: 9HT0/01) 50% of total marks Exam: 3 hours Section A: Visual analysis For each of the following types of art and architecture, students answer a single compulsory question that requires them to comment on an unseen photograph of: a painting, a sculpture, and a building. Section B: Themes For each Theme, students answer a single compulsory question in two parts. • Nature in art and architecture • Identities in art and architecture Paper 2: Periods (Paper code: 9HT0/02) 50% of total marks Exam: 3 hours For each Period, students answer a single compulsory question in four parts. • Invention and illusion: the Renaissance in Italy (1420-1520) • Pop life: British and American contemporary art and architecture (1960-2015)
About Education Provider
| Region | South East |
| Local Authority | West Berkshire |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | £47,760 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Day £35,520 |
| Address | Cold Ash, Thatcham, RG18 9JJ |
The History of Art A Level is a two year course, which allows our girls to develop a wide skills set, preparing them very effectively for university and beyond; art history’s inter-disciplinary benefits are key to this. This course develops students’ understanding of the relationship between society and art; art historical terms, concepts and issues; the influence of cultural, social and political factors, as well as developments in materials, techniques and processes of both art and architecture over time. The inclusion of specified artists and a selection of works from beyond the European tradition provides clear guidance on areas of study and reflects the need for an appropriate global specification in our modern world. In addition to gaining a cohesive and cumulative knowledge of influential art movements, candidates develop many highly valued transferable skills including visual literacy, analytical thinking, evaluation, research and debate, as well as constructing relevant, concise and thoroughly evidenced arguments. Over the two-year course, students will develop the skills and understanding to enjoy a lifetime of access to, and appreciation of, the culture, heritage and ideas of the world around them.
For 16+ entry into our Sixth Form, your daughter will be required to sit three examination papers during the first week of November in the year prior to entry. Two of these papers are in subjects which your daughter is currently studying, or which she wishes to study in the Sixth Form at Downe House, as well as a General paper. These examinations are usually taken at your daughter’s current school and practice papers are available on request. Candidates are required to achieve a minimum of seven I/GCSE examinations at Grade 6 (B) or above, preferably with Grade 9/8 (A*) in those subjects she wishes to study in the Sixth Form. If your daughter does not follow an education system with formal examinations at 16+, further testing may be required and a transcript of grades acquired from their previous school. On completion of examination papers, successful candidates will be invited for an interview by the Head of Sixth Form and the Headmistress at the end of November. Offers will be made in December. There are also a number of scholarships available for pupils joining the Sixth Form. We strongly recommend early registration for your daughter. All offers and places are completed by April of the year prior to entry and availability of places in our Sixth Form is very limited.
Paper 1: Visual analysis and themes (Paper code: 9HT0/01) 50% of total marks Exam: 3 hours Section A: Visual analysis For each of the following types of art and architecture, students answer a single compulsory question that requires them to comment on an unseen photograph of: a painting, a sculpture, and a building. Section B: Themes For each Theme, students answer a single compulsory question in two parts. • Nature in art and architecture • Identities in art and architecture Paper 2: Periods (Paper code: 9HT0/02) 50% of total marks Exam: 3 hours For each Period, students answer a single compulsory question in four parts. • Invention and illusion: the Renaissance in Italy (1420-1520) • Pop life: British and American contemporary art and architecture (1960-2015)