Learners can choose this option if they want to explore and create work associated with more than one endorsed title.
Learners opting for Art, Craft and Design should explore practical and critical/contextual work through a range of 2D and/or 3D processes and media throughout the earlier stages of their Personal Creative Enquiry and Personal Investigation.
The final resolution of their exploratory work can either be selected from 2D and/or 3D processes and media (combining disciplines from more than one endorsed title) or comprise processes and media associated with a single endorsed title.
Similarly, in Unit 3, the Externally Set Assignment, learners can choose to produce work in the preparatory study and sustained focus periods which reflects either more than one endorsed title or one endorsed title. All work submitted for Units 1, 2 and 3, as with all endorsed titles, will be assessed holistically in relation to the four assessment objectives, taking account of the breadth and depth of the evidence presented.
Learners may explore overlapping areas and/or combinations of disciplines from the areas below:
Fine Art
Critical and Contextual Studies
Textile Design
Graphic Communication
Three-Dimensional Design
Photography.
Why did I choose art?
I chose Art A-level simply because I loved the subject and really enjoyed doing it for GCSE. Something exciting about art is having the freedom to choose your own topics and research more about them. There is always a positive atmosphere in the art room and overwhelming support from Mrs Price to motivate and inspire you with your work. It is such an enjoyable experience and even though I am not pursuing a career in art in the future, I am glad I continued to study it.
What have I enjoyed studying and what am I looking forward to studying?
I have enjoyed studying a variety of things in Art, but the opportunity to create your own textile ICT designs is wonderful! This is where you scan in a part of your own work, change the colour, put all sorts of artistic effects on it, change the saturation etc. to create your own fabric design. I personally think this is so cool because it is all your own work and you produce original textile designs to the standard of Manufacturing! The art room is like a treasure trove, you can find lots of information just by being in class and looking at the displays and examples of portfolios.
What skills have I developed or acquired through studying art?
Through studying Art A level, I have developed numerous skills not only through using a whole range of sewing machines and textile skills but my literacy skills have increased. We are supported to improve our research skills through looking at artists/textile techniques, written communication, analysis, ICT skills and collaborative skills. My organisational skills have improved through the influence of the Art Department. We are given a list with all the topics we need to cover in our portfolio which really benefitted me because I always knew where I was going, what I needed to do and where I was at. Additionally, if I was ever struggling Mrs Price would always motivate and encourage me, as well as giving me great advice about all the things I could do with my theme and work.
How will this subject help with my university choices and future career options?
Even if you choose not to study Art specifically in University. Art fits perfectly with other subjects . When I started my A-levels, I took Art because I knew I enjoyed it and it was a possible career pathway. Throughout my A-level studies I realized that I was also passionate about Law. It was the path I wanted to take and study in University. In the future I would love to work as a Lawyer and look at environmental law, this theme has fitted into my artwork. I therefore decided to create a portfolio about recycling and the issue of fast fashion which enabled me to learn more about environmental issues, ‘Upcycling’ and protecting the environment. The themes studied in Art will definitely help me in University!
A2 art and Design student
By the time I achieved GCSE Art & Design- I was hungry for more! Initially reluctant to pursue A-Levels, I had a change of heart. Through discussion with the Art department and looking at the course prospectus, I was in awe, and eager to apply. I chose to take Art further for the simple fact that I have a burning passion for it! Not only that, I knew I’d be working in a familiar environment where I’m able to build on my talents as a developing artist. The course enables you to interpret the unit of work in any way you like, which gives you that liberty to be the one in control. It also provides more motivation to fuel your progress in the art room as you are focusing on something that is personal to you. In my case for my Unit one: Personal Creative Enquiry, my theme was based around makeup. Through guidance, thorough revision & an enthusiastic approach to teaching on behalf of the Art department, I was not only able to develop confidence in my work but also the fortitude it takes to become an artist through critique, trial and error as well as regular communication with my teacher.
Despite the pandemic and putting a halt to our studies these past two academic years, it was not enough to defer me away from my art commitments. With the virtual aid from my teacher, I was able to muster the motivation to finish what I could from home proficiently and with ease. This in turn helped take the work load off when we were introduced back to face-face learning. On the bright side, I had the chance to finish my Unit 1 coursework which made me very happy! I really enjoyed the opportunity my teacher gave me (as a class) to revise all textile techniques to refresh my mind. I think this was advantageous as it enabled me to crack on with my project with confidence and skill refinement as I had the chance to get my hands dirty first and experiment with all art mediums! I really appreciated the opportunities this course gave me. The course is multi-faceted and allows you to dabble in a variety of different art mediums. I really enjoyed the chance I had to refine my fine-art skills through work assignments including illustration- which I will admit is my Achilles heel! I felt all the tasks I was set by my teacher helped improve my quality of work which can be seen in my portfolio. I am really looking forward for this next unit ahead. I am currently in the progress of starting my Investigative Project (unit 2) coursework. My intentions are to investigate the world of drag Artists and performers. As somebody who is closely-knit with the LGBT community, I have an interest for the makeup, costume artistry and politics of drag which I think can be easily reciprocated through an investigative study.
Art has taught me numerous skills; for example, throughout my entire time studying Art, sketching in the style of artists I have researched has enhanced my illustrative capability as well as superb techniques given by my teacher that I can refer to. It has also taught me to develop my own personal style- through studying and practicing techniques that I have been taught I have been able to hone certain aspects of each to formulate my own style. Most importantly, I have learnt how to work well under high pressure. By getting my full A-level qualification in Art & Design, it will unlock a possibility to go and study it further in University. My plan after sixth form is to complete an undergraduate degree in Art & Design and then a post-graduate study in teaching. The goal is to work in secondary level education as an Art teacher. I would love nothing more than the opportunity to use my skills and I also love the idea to help pave the way for young aspiring artists! I thought why waste my time with other career paths? When instead, I can make a career for myself from something I am truly passionate about!
Jo A2 art and Design student
Whether you have a specific art and design-related discipline, or have chosen to work in the sector because of a creative interest, there is a vast array of opportunities, the most common being:
3D design
ceramics designer
enameller
textile designer
spatial designer
And many more options:
product developer
Don’t forget the generic all-round jobs which are important to the sector too, such as:
finance
maintenance
project management