Art and Design

Course summary

Taking A Level Art means that you are joining a popular course which has a track record of outstanding results. You will have the opportunity to experiment and develop your artistic abilities, learn new practical skills and processes, and work on an ambitious scale. The Art A level is made up of two components or ‘units’: Unit 1: Portfolio of Work Unit 2: Externally Set Examination (Preparatory period + 15 hours) This two-year course should appeal to students wanting to extend their expertise in the visual Arts from GCSE level. The course will be tailored to suit each candidate according to former experience. Familiarization of basic skills and shared projects will help everyone to tackle the challenges of new work programs which will include gallery visits and specialist workshops. Painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking are just a few of the areas that can be explored through programs designed to offer opportunities to develop imaginative personal expression. Themed topics will allow studies to grow using the experience of analytical thought and problem-solving. Reference to other styles, genres and context should be recorded and evaluated through a sketchbook. Unit 1: This project takes the form of a personal investigation; investigating the title for this project is designed by the student to reflect their areas of interests and strengths, this is guided by the teacher. This is a practical unit, which usually takes the form of a sketchbook with written elements (between 1,000 and 3,000 words) in which students are expected to develop their research on an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a finished piece /pieces. Unit 2: The 15-hour controlled portfolio. There is a preparatory period following the examination start date where you will be expected to produce developmental ideas before a final realization within the fifteen-hour examination time.