Art & Design
Students studying Art at A level often choose to study this subject at university or art college. They will usually be expected to complete a Foundation Course in Art and Design, before choosing their subject at degree level. This is a one year full time course, which allows them to explore the full range of options which are available.
There are a huge range of opportunities and careers available in the creative industries. Some of these include: Graphic Designer, Product Designer, Furniture Designer, Fine Artist, Jewellery Designer, Textile Designer, employment within galleries and museums, schools and education.
The AS Level in Art & Design comprises of 2 components:
Component 1 - Personal Investigation, worth 60% of the qualification
Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment, worth 40% of the qualification. 10 hour practical examination.
The initial project is a design brief on natural forms. Students will be asked to experiment using different media to find the sweet spots within their knowledge of using different media. They will follow a structure of some experimental drawings, print-making, Mono printing, screen printing, etching and heat press, surface textures, dry and wet media etc. Presentation will be in the form of an A3 sketch book or A1 sheets.
After this project students are taken through a number of different approaches from still life to landscape which is a self-led by them, each time focusing on an individual artist as well as independently sourcing imagery which interests them. As they reach the conclusion of the project, they are each encouraged in their own direction, using one to one tutorials to support their independence. The remaining part of the course is intended to follow the exam board’s requirement of an ‘independently led personal project’. Students are only given broad starting points, intended to serve as a spring board for their own ideas. They are once again supported with one to one sessions throughout their lessons.
A minimum of five subjects at grade 4 (or above) including Maths and English Language, and a grade 5 (or above) in either Fine Art, Three Dimensional Design or Photography. Portfolio submissions from students who have not completed this subject at GCSE will be considered at the discretion of the subject teachers.
The AS Level comprises of 2 components:
Component 1 - Personal Investigation, worth 60% of the qualification
Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment, worth 40% of the qualification. 10 hour practical examination.
