Kehs Qureshi

Why did you choose to study Art A Level?

I studied Art at GCSE. I have always been passionate about art and creative activities since pre-school. It’s not like other A Levels which can be hard work, it’s just so enjoyable and I think I have achieved high grades in art because I enjoy it so much. Whenever I have a pen in my hand I am always drawing or doodling. A Level is totally different to GCSE art. GCSE is mostly copying other artists but for A Level you must decide everything and how much of yourself you want to put in, how vulnerable you want to be in the messages, the stories or the sensitive emotions you want to display. The art exams are a big commitment – 15 hours to work on a piece so you can immerse yourself in the exam and lose yourself in the process.

How will you use your Art A Level?

After I had careers meetings and conversations with the Sixth Form Team, I realised I am no less employable with an Art degree than any other degree. When I looked at the university course you get a whole new level of freedom from A Level because you literally do all these different types of art such as photography, digital art even sculpting. The job I can see myself getting would be a curator in a gallery.  The ideal scenario is that I finish my degree then go onto work in a gallery and continue my own creative work and have my own exhibitions.

What Advice would give to a student considering A Level Art?

I would 100% recommend anyone who has any interest at all in creative subjects to take Art because you get to explore a lot about yourself that you wouldn’t otherwise get the opportunity to do. I recommend reading about art history, engage in media, have a critical perspective on what you see and learn about different art forms. The teaching at Blue Coat is so supportive. Teachers help when you need it but back off when you need time to be creatively independent and the balance is really good.