Art

We run a fine art course which is designed to help each student build on their experiences at GCSE and acquire a strong individual voice to their own work. We encourage students to have a rich variety of approaches to their work.

Visual Research

The core of the course is strongly slanted towards a foundation of drawing and graphic imagery which will enable all students to explore the project work and their own ideas through the use of work journals. We encourage students to carry out extensive research using the widest range of approaches, including digital photography, image manipulation, collage and drawing. The work that they carry out for this element of the coursework will help them to develop their thinking into strongly crafted outcomes.

AS  (Units 1, 2, 3)

The AS Level is divided into coursework and terminal examination. The coursework comprises two equally weighted units designed by us and make up 60% of the marks and a terminal examination allocated by the Board worth 40% of the marks.

Each project begins with a detailed brief that sets out a starting point for further investigation. One of the projects will be set within the studio and one will be set outside on location.

A2 (Units 4, 5, 7)

A2 comprises two units of coursework: a practical coursework unit and a 3,000 word written unit. These make up 60% of the marks and are followed by a practical terminal examination allotted by the Board worth 40% of the total marks.

All of the AS Level units (Units 1, 2, 3) and A2 units 4 (coursework) and 7 (terminal examination) are practical. Unit 5 of the A2 is a written study. The written study allows each pupil to research an artist or art form which interests them or influences their work and present an illustrated dissertation of about 3,000 words in length.

The course is open to all and will enable those students wishing to further their education at art or architectural schools by building up strong portfolios of work.

Former students have gained places at the following establishments: Central St Martins; Chelsea College; Newcastle University; Edinburgh University; University of the West of England; Oxford Brookes; and Wimbledon.

For details of the A Level curriculum please visit  www.aqa.org.uk