Art

Why Study Art?

Art is appropriate for those who wish to have an introduction to professional practice in a creative and visual world and those who are interested in culture and the history of ideas. A Level Art is about looking, understanding and expressing ideas. The most important
indicator of suitability is those with the ability to make intelligent, well-observed drawings and in-depth, perceptive articulation about artwork. The disciplines that can be explored on the A Level course are painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, photography and moving image.

Entry Requirements

Grade 6 in GCSE Art. A portfolio of work is also required for consideration. Grade 6 in GCSE English Language is also required.

Course outline

The A Level is a two-year course. In the first year, pupils develop a body of artwork and an extended essay, which together are worth 60% of the awarded marks. The remaining 40% of the marks are awarded in the final year of the course, where pupils take an exam project. The exam project requires pupils to produce a body of artwork which communicates a theme set by the examination board (Edexcel).

To achieve the marks awarded pupils must:

• use their own ideas to generate starting points
• understand how the works of other artists relate to ethical, political social and historical contexts
• undertake sustained visual experiments by way of developing and refining artwork
• develop visual language to communicate ideas and be open to working with new media
• demonstrate skilful use of the formal elements: line, tone, colour, shape, form and structure
• record evidence of progress made in ongoing critical and analytical review
• respond in an individual and personal way to a theme, stimulus or concept
• make connections between investigations and creative intentions
• realise intentions by producing and presenting unique outcomes

Course Delivery

This course is designed to support young artists. Aims and objectives of the Art A Level course are to develop:

• intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive capabilities
• investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement
• independence of mind in developing, refining and communicating the pupils’ own ideas, their own intentions and their own personal outcomes
• an interest in, enthusiasm for and enjoyment of art, craft and design
• knowledge and experience of real-world contexts and, where appropriate, links to the creative industries
• knowledge and understanding of art, craft, design and media and technologies in contemporary and past societies and cultures
• an awareness of different roles, functions, audiences and consumers of art, craft and design

Higher education and Career Opportunities

A degree in the visual arts provides pupils with a wide range of transferable skills. Critical thinking, problem-solving and an understanding of aesthetics are increasingly valuable tools in the workplace.

The most popular and recommended pathway into a career in the visual arts is an Art Foundation course. There are two benefits to doing an Art Foundation before degree Level study. Firstly it provides pupils with time to consider what artistic road to take. In addition, an Art Foundation course will give them the best chance at competing for a degree course. They will have the chance to hone a portfolio which is significantly more advanced. Pupils wishing to further their art education will be supported in their higher education pathways, in the application, portfolio and interview process.

Miss L H Randell, Head of Art