Art is a form of communication - a means of expressing ideas and feelings. It forms a language which complements those of literary, mathematical, scientific and factually-based subjects. Art demands of its students qualities of self-discipline, independence of mind, initiative and insight into the world around them. At Advanced Level, there is the opportunity to build on creative and technical skills to a more sophisticated and rigorous degree. The aims are to encourage candidates to develop: -intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive powers -investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement -their own ideas, refining intentions and personal outcomes -an interest in, enthusiasm for, and enjoyment of art, craft and design -skills of working with a broad range of materials, including traditional and new media and technologies -an understanding of the relationships between art, craft and design processes and an awareness of the contexts in which they operate