Art and Design (Fine Art)

Course summary

We enter candidates for the AQA A level examination as it offers students the opportunity to concentrate on their strengths and interests and yet it has the written element of the ‘Personal Investigation’ in the Upper Sixth year to make it acceptable to universities. It also offers specialist students the opportunity to build up the kind of portfolio that will impress art colleges. Art at A level is coursework-based and students are encouraged to experiment and develop their skills in a range of media in both two and three dimensions. Many students specialise in one area of study, e.g. painting and drawing, or produce projects in different areas and media such as film and photography. They are encouraged to explore, appreciate and understand the art, design and crafts of the past and the work of contemporary artists and designers through practical and written assignments and visits to art galleries and exhibitions in Britain and abroad.