Entry Requirements

Grade 6 or higher in GCSE Art and Design/Art and Textiles.
In exceptional circumstances, students who have experience of extra-curricular creation of art work at a high level may be considered for this course.

Exam Board: Edexcel

Why Study Art & Design?

This course will appeal to students who are imaginative, creative, self-motivated and are skilled in the practical aspects of art and design. In short if you love art this course is for you. Many of the students who take art at A Level also look to the other creative subjects to complement it, for example Photography, Production Arts and Three Dimensional Design.

You will be encouraged to develop visual and practical skills, experiment with new materials and techniques and produce your own imaginative and personal artworks. Our facilities in the RR6 building allow us to develop your skills in range a of Art practices including printmaking and sculpture, but you will be able to really focus on your strengths and the areas of Art that you most enjoy. You will exhibit your work in the summer show, at the Norman Plaistow Gallery in Wimbledon Village and have the opportunity to put your work into the Young Wimbledon Artist and other national competitions.

What Topics Will I Study?

You will learn to think creatively, use a range of 2D and 3D materials and processes and gain a good understanding of painting, drawing, printmaking, textiles, photography, new media and sculpture. You’ll support your practical work with research into an exciting array of visual artists and you’ll develop your visual literacy through analysing the work of others.

One of the great things about the subject is the freedom it affords you to work on projects that can be tailored around your interests. If you want to learn to paint like the old Masters then you will have that opportunity. If you want to create large scale sculptures or installations that tell a story about your life you can do that too. The options are broad and you will work alongside your tutors to make decisions about the best way for you to work.

How Will I Be Assessed?

You will develop a range of projects over two years and will be assessed on everything you do. Just like at GCSE or BTEC your sketchbooks are extremely valuable and all the development and research work will be assessed alongside your final pieces. During the first year and the first term of the second year you will develop a personal portfolio of work which will be worth up to 60% of your final grade. You will then take an Externally Set Assignment that culminates in a 15hr period of sustained focus under examination conditions. The degree of independence will increase as you progress through the course.

An Example/Illustration of the Type of Work Involved

You will be required to work in at least two of the following areas: Drawing, painting, sculpture. You will explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas. Students with experience of Art Textiles GCSE will be able to use those skills on this course and develop them further towards textiles final pieces. Students with a particular interest such as photography and digital media will also have opportunities to develop those skills.

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

A Level Art & Design can lead to a foundation course in Art or to further studies at Art College and university. It can also complement academic subjects when applying for a degree course. The creative industries are one of the fastest growing sectors for employment in this country and an Art A level can be an excellent step towards work in Advertising, Architecture, Film and Television and much more besides. Art and Design careers include:

Fine artist, graphic designer, book illustrator, advertising, architect, photographer, fashion designer, stylist, interior designer, animator, product designer, set designer, textile designer, special effects, jewellery designer, and make-up artist.

Other Opportunities Available Whilst Studying This Course

As an Art & Design student you will visit art galleries, use the art studios during your free periods, display your own work in art exhibitions and work alongside colleges and universities. You will have the opportunity to go on residential trips both here and overseas where you will see incredible artwork, architecture and culture. There are workshops and Saturday schools both here and with the University of the Arts London which give you the best opportunity to be successful at A Level.

We run an annual residential trip to Margate in the Autumn term where students have the opportunity to visit The Turner Contemporary Gallery and Dreamland along with other sites and spend time developing their sketching skills and completing photography tasks to build resources for their practical exam work.