“One of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK”
Course Detail
The Art & Design (Fine Art) course provides you with the opportunity to explore your interest in the subject through the development of personal responses to themes and ideas. During the course you will be taught a variety of art techniques to develop a solid skills base; you may choose to work in paint, sculpture, print-making, digital arts etc. From this broad basis, you will understand your areas of strength which you will then develop further. Researching and responding to the work of other artists, particularly contemporary art practice, is instrumental to the development of ideas and you will be expected to do so independently.
The course will be delivered through practical demonstrations, tutorials, group critiques and visits to exhibitions.
How will I be assessed?
In Year 12 you will complete a personal investigation project, which is practical in nature, leading to a final piece(s). This is worth 50% of your AS grade, the remaining 50% being from an externally set assignment in which you will need to develop your own personal work on a set theme. The externally set assignment incorporates preparatory studies and a 10 hour period of sustained focus.
In Year 13, your personal investigation is worth 60% of your final A-Level grade and needs to be supported by a compulsory written element that links the work of other artists to the project. The externally set assignment is worth 40% of your grade and is based on a theme that will be released by the exam board in February of your final year; it will incorporate preparatory studies and a 15 hour period of sustained focus.
Additional Entry Requirements
- GCSE Art or Textiles: Grade 4
- GCSE Maths: 4
- GCSE English: 4
These requirements are in addition to the general entry requirements.
All A-Level courses are two year courses. You will sit the AS exams at the end of Year 12 and the A-Level exams at the end of Year 13. Although the AS grade will not count towards your final A-Level grade, you will need at least a grade D at AS to succeed on this course in Year 13.
*You can only study either 3 Dimensional Design, or Textiles or Art and Design at A-Level.
Where can this course take me?
There are many career opportunities in Art and Design, and the creative industries, ranging from advertising to architecture and from fashion to film. It therefore constitutes one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK. Through this course you’ll develop transferable skills, such as problem solving, communication and critical thinking, which will prepare you for further study or the world of work, regardless of the subject or career you wish to pursue. If you want to pursue a career in the creative industries, your next step is likely to be a Foundation Degree course followed by an undergraduate degree in fields as varied as Product Design, Fine Art, Fashion Design or History of Art.