Art

What You Will Learn About:  

• Exploring Fine Art: Gain experience with a wide range of materials and techniques, from traditional painting and drawing to new, innovative media.  

• Drawing for Different Purposes: Develop your skills in drawing as a tool for observation, expression, and experimentation, using various methods and media.  

• Personal Artistic Development: Focus on themes and artists that inspire you, allowing you to create meaningful artwork.  

Art History and Contemporary Practice: Study both traditional and modern artists and gallery visits to understand art in it’s wider contexts. 

Course Content & Assessment

Component 1: Personal Investigation 

60% of A Level – Coursework  

Develop your creativity and explore your own ideas! 

 In this unit, with the support of your teacher, you will: 

• Plan and carry out a practical investigation into an artistic idea, issue, concept, or theme of your choice. 

• Use a wide variety of art materials and techniques that you enjoy using 

• Produce a series of artworks, based on your investigation 

• Support your practical work with written material between 1500 to 3000 words, this is a written log to explain your research and related art works.  

This is your chance to take control of your learning and show your individual style and creativity. 

 

Component 2: Externally Set Task 

40% of A Level – Response to Externally Set Title (Timed, 15 hours) 

In this unit, you will: 

• Choose one theme from a selection set by the exam board 

• Conduct a thorough investigation over several weeks, developing ideas and planning and producing large scale artworks 

• Complete a timed, supervised 15-hour practical session to produce your final piece 

This component allows you to demonstrate your ability to respond creatively to a set theme and apply the skills you’ve developed in Component 1. 

Teaching

In this course, you’ll build on the skills and techniques you developed at GCSE, but with a deeper focus on refining your abilities and exploring new approaches. Your teacher will guide you through the process, helping you play to your strengths while also supporting you in developing areas that need improvement.  Even if you haven’t studied Art before, you will quickly adapt and learn new techniques. 

Expect to be challenged with more independent research and investigation into your chosen area of study.  Outside of school hours,  you’ll have the opportunity to dig deeper into your ideas and artistic vision.  

We believe in the power of peer review and self-assessment, which will help you reflect on your progress and improve your work. You’ll also be encouraged to make full use of the department’s studio space and resources during independent study time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the creative process.  

Your Future

The visual arts don’t just make the world more beautiful – they help us see and understand the world in new and exciting ways. The ability to comment on, interpret, and appreciate the visual world is a valuable skill in itself, whether you’re creating art or simply appreciating it.  

For those looking at a future in artistic careers, the opportunities are endless. Almost everything you encounter – whether it’s a product, a piece of content, or even a building – has been designed by artists and creatives.  

This course will open doors to a wide range of degree options, including Fine Art, Illustration, Fashion, Animation, Graphic Design, Architecture, Photography, and more. A-level Art is highly regarded by universities and employers as a benchmark for creative talent and career development, giving you the foundation to pursue your passion professionally.  

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