Art A Level
A Level | AQA
On the Art course, we start with the belief that we can all be artists. We are surrounded by constantly changing visual stimuli, learn to respond to and interpret this world through a range of artistic media and disciplines.The main purpose of the Art & Design course is to develop your ability to appreciate the visual world and to enable you to respond in a personal and creative way.
The Art Department staff devise and implement projects which encourage you to:
- Question all preconceived notions of art and personal ability.
- Trust your creative instincts.
- Express your ideas and feelings through the controlled use of a broad range of materials and techniques.
- Investigate and relate to all the evolutionary processes that are inherent in the development of good artwork.
- Articulate issues relating to the work of other artists from a variety of cultures, past and present.
To view student work visit Arts Showcase
Course details
What are the entry requirements?
A minimum of five GCSE subjects at grade 4 or above. A grade 4 or above in an Arts GCSE is preferable but not essential.
How will I be assessed?
| Component | Method of Assessment | % |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Internally set, Internally marked, Externally moderated | 60% |
| Externally Set Assignment | Externally set, Internally marked, Externally moderated | 40% |
What extra work can I do?
You are also expected to keep up to date with current exhibitions by visiting galleries and making sketches and studies in your sketchbooks. There is a small yearly charge (currently £25) levied on this course to pay for all necessary materials to successfully complete the course.
The Art Department has very high expectations - we believe that everyone can be an artist and that every student has the potential to produce work of the highest standard!
What skills will I learn?
On the Art course, you will get the chance to explore all aspects of Art & Design. You will gain experience in painting and drawing, mixed media, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, textile design, animation, digital photography and Photoshop. We don’t have a “house style” and we cater for all approaches from figurative to abstract to conceptual - you could even invent a whole new art form!
What is the department like?
The Art Department is situated in a new well equipped, purpose-built complex consisting of three specialist rooms.
Please be aware that the department recommends a voluntary contribution of £36 per student per year for each Art & Design subject they study to help with the cost of extra materials. This works out at roughly £1 per week.
Future Careers and Progression
What are the progression routes for this qualification?
A high percentage of our students go on to study at Art College. The diversity of the course makes it ideally suited if you are intending to go on to Foundation Art & Design and degree courses specialising in many aspects of Art such as Fine Art, Illustration, Fashion/Textiles, Film/Animation, Ceramics, Graphics, Furniture, Interior, and Jewellery Design.
"To be an artist is to believe in life" ~ Henry Moore
"Art is a line around your thoughts" ~ Gustav Klimt
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