Art and Design (Fine Art)

Course summary

We are seeing the aims of the department bear fruit with a generation of artists emerging who are producing a tremendous range of exciting and highly skilled work. There is also a culture of art appreciation and debate growing within the school. Other departments are responding to this and several joint ventures have been undertaken. Many pupils now choose art-related subjects to study at university including Fine Art, Architecture, History of Art, Graphics, Theatre Design etc. We have also enjoyed a great deal of success in the public exams, with a high percentage of students getting top grades at GCSE and A level. It is anticipated that those studying Art at A level should have a higher level of motivation and a keen interest in the work of other artists and designers. The ability to handle and manipulate materials confidently and fluently is essential. For those wishing to embark on a career as an artist, designer or architect A-level art would be a necessary choice. However, imagine the would-be medic asked to discuss a current Science and Art exhibition at their Oxford interview and feeling glad that they had taken Art as their fourth option. Imagine the prospective engineer who was told at their Cambridge interview that it was a real bonus that they were able to draw, and you will begin to see how Art is useful in all kinds of spheres – the dentist who is a skilled craftsman and can match different shades of white is obviously at an advantage. Think of your favourite film, and remember that the director and those employed in its making probably found their way into cinema via Art school.