Art and Design (Fine Art)

Course summary

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 consists of a series of workshops into a wide range of activities, such as printmaking, drawing, portraiture, assemblage, mixed-media and landscape. The variety of outcomes helps students to understand where their skills and interests lie, in readiness for an independent unit in which they pursue a particular line of creative enquiry. We improve students’ observational skills through imaginative tasks and stimulating processes that spark a passion for drawing. Students also have the opportunity to attend life drawing classes after school – a valuable and memorable experience that helps refine understanding of proportion, shape and form. 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 and to refine and develop their creative outcomes supported by sophisticated critical and contextual understanding.