Art and Design (Fine Art)

Course summary

Art is unique within the range of A Level courses offered in the depth of personal expression, imagination and individuality it fosters. It encourages sensitivity, breadth of thought, conceptual thinking, powers of observation, and communication and analysis while the continual process of making selections and judgements can engender self confidence within the individual. From the beginning of the course, you will be encouraged to explore and to experiment with a wide range of media and techniques, and as time progresses, it will be important to specialise in some way. You will be given grounding in all areas of Fine Art including drawing, painting, printmaking and 3-dimensional work. The opportunity to experiment with the genres of installation and multi-media can also be explored. Above all, you will be expected to pursue and develop your own ideas and it is essential you think independently. Artist research will be fully integrated throughout the course and strong links with the work of others is required when planning their personal study. Although the department offers visits each year to London, it is important that you are sufficient interest in, and curiosity for, the subject to visit galleries and exhibitions in your own free time.