The study of the History of Art is never-ending and is a constant delight because it involves looking at and thinking about, the splendid creations of the human imagination. The subject is taught over two years, during which we aim to give an understanding of the painting, sculpture and architecture of the Western world and beyond. We encourage students to develop their critical and analytical skills and learn how to situate artworks in the contexts in which they were created. No previous knowledge is required to take this subject; the student needs only intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm. This Level course offers an invaluable opportunity to study some of the greatest works of world art and architecture and thus to acquire a broad knowledge of different civilisations, from which a lifelong love of the subject often springs. There are three units. The first gives students visual literacy through the ability to analyse the formal characteristics of Western artworks and buildings – a vital skill in today’s image-saturated world. In the second unit, we explore two of the following three themes: Identities, Nature and War. We look at how artists across time and place have represented divine beings, individuals, groups and nations; how the motifs, messages and materials of the natural world have been used by practitioners in Europe and beyond; as well as how past and present artists have responded to war and reflected our changing attitudes towards conflict. The third module is an in-depth exploration of two historical periods. ‘Invention and Illusion’ looks at the Renaissance in Italy between 1420 and 1520, while ‘Pop Life’ is a study of British and American contemporary art from 1960 to the present. We consider in greater detail the lives and careers of individual artists, as well as delving deeper into social, political and technological contexts: from the rediscovery of linear perspective in 15th century Florence to the civil rights movement and rise of second-wave feminism in 1960s America. As with other A Level subjects at Francis Holland, History of Art groups are small, typically comprising about seven students (with a maximum of twelve). The small size of the classes is an important factor in stimulating debate and encouraging all students to express their opinions.
We welcome external candidates to the Sixth Form, who are assessed on the basis of reports from their existing schools, written tests, interviews and GCSE predictions. We strongly recommend that all girls have achieved at least grade 7s (A grades) in their chosen A level subjects, as those with lower grades are likely to find the Sixth Form course challenging. Both internal and external candidates may compete for Academic Sixth Form Scholarships. These examinations take place in November each year. Scholarships are also awarded for Art, Drama and Music.
About Education Provider
| Region | London |
| Local Authority | Westminster |
| Ofsted Rating | |
| Gender Type | Girls |
| ISI Report | View Report |
| Boarding Fee | Unknown |
| Sixth Form Fee | £25,050 |
| Address | 39 Graham Terrace, London, SW1W 8JF |
The study of the History of Art is never-ending and is a constant delight because it involves looking at and thinking about, the splendid creations of the human imagination. The subject is taught over two years, during which we aim to give an understanding of the painting, sculpture and architecture of the Western world and beyond. We encourage students to develop their critical and analytical skills and learn how to situate artworks in the contexts in which they were created. No previous knowledge is required to take this subject; the student needs only intellectual curiosity and enthusiasm. This Level course offers an invaluable opportunity to study some of the greatest works of world art and architecture and thus to acquire a broad knowledge of different civilisations, from which a lifelong love of the subject often springs. There are three units. The first gives students visual literacy through the ability to analyse the formal characteristics of Western artworks and buildings – a vital skill in today’s image-saturated world. In the second unit, we explore two of the following three themes: Identities, Nature and War. We look at how artists across time and place have represented divine beings, individuals, groups and nations; how the motifs, messages and materials of the natural world have been used by practitioners in Europe and beyond; as well as how past and present artists have responded to war and reflected our changing attitudes towards conflict. The third module is an in-depth exploration of two historical periods. ‘Invention and Illusion’ looks at the Renaissance in Italy between 1420 and 1520, while ‘Pop Life’ is a study of British and American contemporary art from 1960 to the present. We consider in greater detail the lives and careers of individual artists, as well as delving deeper into social, political and technological contexts: from the rediscovery of linear perspective in 15th century Florence to the civil rights movement and rise of second-wave feminism in 1960s America. As with other A Level subjects at Francis Holland, History of Art groups are small, typically comprising about seven students (with a maximum of twelve). The small size of the classes is an important factor in stimulating debate and encouraging all students to express their opinions.
We welcome external candidates to the Sixth Form, who are assessed on the basis of reports from their existing schools, written tests, interviews and GCSE predictions. We strongly recommend that all girls have achieved at least grade 7s (A grades) in their chosen A level subjects, as those with lower grades are likely to find the Sixth Form course challenging. Both internal and external candidates may compete for Academic Sixth Form Scholarships. These examinations take place in November each year. Scholarships are also awarded for Art, Drama and Music.