Art and Design (Fine Art)

Course summary

A-level Art and Design is a practical based course over two years, supported by a written element. Studying A-level Art and Design allows the students to develop an exciting and extensive range of creative and technical skills. The boys also develop their critical thinking skills, an understanding of aesthetics and expand their visual literacy. These transferable life skills are developed through working with both traditional crafts and new artistic and technological media. The course can also further enhance creativity, imagination, confi dence and competence. Furthermore, students will gain a strong understanding of art history and contemporary visual art practice, through supporting contextual studies. Unique to studying Art and Design at A-level, students create a personal portfolio of individually explored practical work inspired by a theme of their choice. Whenever possible, students are encouraged to research and respond to the work on show in the Sewell Centre Gallery, attend the many talks given by visiting artists, review work and read journals and periodicals available in the comprehensive art library and use the Art Department’s computers for research, all with a view to helping put art into a context as this is an important part of the examination curriculum. There is a weekly drawing class, working from fi rst-hand observation in a range of materials, as well as scholars’ weekend workshops, both designed to provide Radleians of all abilities with the opportunity to explore and develop their own creativity. The Art Department also runs a number of trips to provide stimulus outside the art studios and to further engage the boys in a wider range of visual experiences. During the last three years, these have included Florence, Rome, Venice and New York as well as numerous visits to galleries and exhibitions within the UK.