Art
Overview
The A Level course offers you the chance to develop your drawing, painting, sculptural, ceramic mixed media and photography skills. You will also be able to research areas of art and design that interest you and will be expected to develop your own ideas into high quality finished work with support from your teachers.
Course Outline
AS Level
Unit 1: Coursework Portfolio (50% of AS, 25% of total A Level) – a collection of work produced during the AS course. Through observation and research, experimentation and final pieces of work you will construct a folio with a variety two and three dimensional approaches including sketch books and studio pieces that will be led by the teachers in the department.
Unit 2: Externally-set Assignment (50% of AS, 25% of total A Level) – a project of work derived from a starting point set by AQA culminating in a 5-hour test piece. Drawing on the skills and techniques you have acquired you will produce a project of work of your own design working alongside the art teachers who will be there to support you as you become more independent in your studies.
A2 Level
Unit 3: Personal Investigation (25% of A Level mark) – a personal investigation which is practical by nature, leading to a finished piece or pieces of work and supported by a written element that links the work of other artists to the project. In this project you are in charge and with support will produce a folio of work on a topic that reflects your strengths and interests. You are encouraged to work in a variety of ways exploring fully the theme you have chosen.
Unit 4: Externally-set Assignment (25% of A Level mark) – similar to the third unit but working from a starting point selected from a list set by AQA and culminating in a 15-hour test piece. You will produce a project that is personal to you. Using any media or style that is appropriate you will complete a collection of work including research, experimentation and final pieces in a two or three dimensional way.
Assessment
Coursework (25%)
Personal Investigation (25%)
Externally-set Assignments (50%)
Examining Board – AQA.
Special Entry Requirements
Most students will have a GCSE pass (A-C) in Art, Graphics, Textiles or Design and Technology. It is essential that you are prepared to work hard and have a passion for this subject. A personal approach is encouraged throughout the course and it is expected that students will work in their own time to independently develop their projects.
Prohibited Options
Students may study two from the following: A Level Art, A Level Textiles, A Level Graphics. Students interested in all 3 options would be best suited to the BTEC Art and Design.
Career and Progression Opportunities
Most students wishing to go on to a career in Art and Design take an Art Foundation Course for one year at a local college. We are very successful in placing our students on Art Foundation courses.
Cost Implications
The College supplies most art materials that you will need during your lessons and materials such as paint, clay, paper etc are available in all studios. Students are strongly advised to buy an art pack at the start of the year which contains sketchbooks, folders and brushes from the Department. These are sold at a reduced cost and become essential for producing and storing the work you will create throughout the two years of your course. There will be the opportunity to take part in trips and visits throughout the two years.
Other Information
You will have access to all staff in the Art department and be expected to develop your work both during formal lessons and in your own time. The department operates an open door policy, encouraging students to return during private study time and work independently in the studios. This course can be tailored to your needs and aspirations, providing a first rate grounding for progression to university.
This information is correct for September 2012 entry.