Art and Design

Course summary

Art A level at Ampleforth is an exciting and challenging course. Year 12 students start the year with the transition skills-based course, teaching a greater understanding of the language of art, alongside a series of collaborative and open-ended workshops, designed to develop their ability to explore ideas and media creatively. In addition, students attend a weekly critical studies seminar in which they are introduced to a wide range of ideas and weekly Art History lessons. In the Lent term of Year 12 students begin Component 1, the Personal Investigation which is completed in Year 13. From February in Year 13 they complete their externally set task. Students work in one or more of the following areas: drawing and painting; mixed-media, including collage and assemblage; sculpture; ceramics; installation; printmaking (relief, intaglio, screen processes and lithography); moving image and photography. Drawing is an integral part of the course and students do regular life drawing classes, as well as exploring the use of drawing for different purposes. Knowledge and understanding of both contemporary and historical art is an integral part of the course and students explore a wide range of sources.