Art and Design

Course summary

The A–A-level (Art, Craft and Design) course aims to build the essential knowledge and skills needed to develop accomplished, high-quality artwork. The students will start by exploring a range of techniques and media during a term’s ‘Foundation’ style course before deciding on a personal theme which they will explore using all their acquired knowledge and skills. They will look at the work of artists and craftspeople, from the past and the present and will make large-scale work in both 2D and 3D, generating a diverse and exciting portfolio of work. The students will be expected to respond to practical demonstrations, practical investigations, group discussions/‘crits’, one-to-one tutorials, individual action planning sessions and on occasions lecture style note taking. Each group is taught by two or three members of staff. In Year 12 we undertake two gallery visits as part of the taught curriculum. These are charged at a cost price and are usually under £20. Art is an academic subject and can work well with any combination of subjects. However, it is essential if the student wants to pursue a career in architecture or any field of design. Art is now one of this country’s biggest income generators and an AS / A‐level in Art and Design can lead to courses and careers in many areas. Degrees such as architecture, graphics, fashion, and any form of a 2D or 3D design course, will expect to see a substantial art portfolio at the interview.