Through expressive and theoretical studies, A Level Art and Design leads to a fuller understanding of the visual arts. Emphasis is put on the importance of recording the creative process. This is done through creative experimentation with media and processes, as well as keeping a work journal which tracks the development of ideas. The course encourages experimentation in Year 12 and is full of practical workshops. This enables students to demonstrate an understanding of past and contemporary art and design practice. Year 13 builds on these skills as students specialise and focus on a personal theme. Year 12 is a skills-building opportunity, in which students will embark on a series of short projects to develop their understanding of textile techniques and processes. Students will learn to create printed fabrics using traditional and digital design processes. They will also design and make fashion garments, using a wide variety of exciting fabric manipulation techniques such as free machine embroidery, embellishment, shabori, applique, weaving and fibre art. In the Lent Term they will start an independent project in which they will have the opportunity to steer their own creative journey through the analysis of contemporary art and fashion textile practices that will inspire a series of imaginative experiments. This work sits on a solid foundation of strong practical ability and creative risk-taking. During the summer term students are introduced to the Year 13 Personal Portfolio Unit. They are free to choose their own influences through artists research, gallery visits and open studios. They will refine and develop their creative outcomes supported by in-depth critical and contextual understanding.
For new students, entry to the Sixth Form is dependent on GCSE grades, an interview with the Headmaster and a school reference. To enter our Sixth Form and be successful, we like to see grade 7s in the GCSE subjects a student wishes to take at A Level (8s for Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths) or in relevant subjects, with at least six grades 6s overall. We also accept students onto BTEC Sport and Exercise Science plus one A Level. For this combination we like to see at least six grade 5s at GCSE overall, with a 7 in a relevant subject for the A Level. Below this attainment level, likely, we are not the right match for a student, although we are happy to discuss exceptional circumstances.
The art course consists of two units: coursework, which carries 60% of the final mark, and an exam paper worth the remaining 40%. Each unit is assessed using four assessment objectives which evaluate the development of ideas and processes informed by research into other artists, material experimentation, recording (written, drawn and photographed) and a personal and meaningful response that draws together all their learning.
About Education Provider
| Region | East of England |
| Local Authority | Suffolk |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Co-Educational |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Day £12,705 - £19,704; Boarding £36,639 - £40,365 |
| Sixth Form Fee | Unknown |
| Address | Henley Road, Ipswich, IP1 3SG |
Through expressive and theoretical studies, A Level Art and Design leads to a fuller understanding of the visual arts. Emphasis is put on the importance of recording the creative process. This is done through creative experimentation with media and processes, as well as keeping a work journal which tracks the development of ideas. The course encourages experimentation in Year 12 and is full of practical workshops. This enables students to demonstrate an understanding of past and contemporary art and design practice. Year 13 builds on these skills as students specialise and focus on a personal theme. Year 12 is a skills-building opportunity, in which students will embark on a series of short projects to develop their understanding of textile techniques and processes. Students will learn to create printed fabrics using traditional and digital design processes. They will also design and make fashion garments, using a wide variety of exciting fabric manipulation techniques such as free machine embroidery, embellishment, shabori, applique, weaving and fibre art. In the Lent Term they will start an independent project in which they will have the opportunity to steer their own creative journey through the analysis of contemporary art and fashion textile practices that will inspire a series of imaginative experiments. This work sits on a solid foundation of strong practical ability and creative risk-taking. During the summer term students are introduced to the Year 13 Personal Portfolio Unit. They are free to choose their own influences through artists research, gallery visits and open studios. They will refine and develop their creative outcomes supported by in-depth critical and contextual understanding.
For new students, entry to the Sixth Form is dependent on GCSE grades, an interview with the Headmaster and a school reference. To enter our Sixth Form and be successful, we like to see grade 7s in the GCSE subjects a student wishes to take at A Level (8s for Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Maths) or in relevant subjects, with at least six grades 6s overall. We also accept students onto BTEC Sport and Exercise Science plus one A Level. For this combination we like to see at least six grade 5s at GCSE overall, with a 7 in a relevant subject for the A Level. Below this attainment level, likely, we are not the right match for a student, although we are happy to discuss exceptional circumstances.
The art course consists of two units: coursework, which carries 60% of the final mark, and an exam paper worth the remaining 40%. Each unit is assessed using four assessment objectives which evaluate the development of ideas and processes informed by research into other artists, material experimentation, recording (written, drawn and photographed) and a personal and meaningful response that draws together all their learning.