Art and Design (Fine Art)

Course summary

The GCSE course is made up of course work (60%) and a controlled test (40%) with a four-week preparatory period. The curriculum provides the opportunity to study one or more of drawing and painting, sculpture and ceramics and photography and printmaking may also be incorporated. The two courses available in the Sixth Form are designed to appeal to academic students who wish to pursue Art as one of several other A-levels, and also those who have already decided on a career in Art and Design. Both courses (‘Art, Craft and Design’ and ‘Graphic Communication) are very different in emphasis but have many common fundamental principles. Art, Craft and Design is a broad-based course exploring practical and critical/contextual work through a range of 2D and/or 3D processes and media associated with two or more of the following titles: Fine Art; Graphic communication; Textile design; Three-dimensional design; and Photography. In Graphic Communication, pupils will produce practice and critical/contextual work in one or more areas of study, for example: advertising; packaging design; design for print; illustration; communication; graphics; branding and multimedia. Photography and Printmaking may be added as a component of Fine Art or Graphic Design and it is hoped that courses can be tailored to suit individual candidates' strengths as well as those of the department.