Art & Design

Introduction to A level Art & Design video

Edexcel

The Edexcel A level Art and Design Course allows students the chance to refine and develop their skills from GCSE. It is no longer a single year of AS level and a second year at A2 level, but in fact a complete 2 year course, giving students more time to work on and develop work to a very high standard. Students may submit under any one of 5 titles; Art, Craft and Design, Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textile Design or Photography.

Art and Design is a studio based course in which students work creatively in a friendly, dynamic atmosphere using a variety of media to pursue individual, creative solutions to a range of stimuli. Studying Art and Design requires and involves:

• The ability to perceive, understand and express concepts and feelings.

• The ability to record from direct observation and personal experience.

• The ability to communicate by using appropriate materials and techniques in a disciplined way.

• Experimentation, innovation and the use of intuition and imagination.

• Critical and analytical faculties; the ability to identify research and evaluate problems systematically.

• Confidence, initiative and a sense of adventure and achievement.

• The acquisition of a relevant working vocabulary.

• An awareness and appreciation of the interdependence of art and design within individual cultural and historical contexts.

SUBJECT COMBINATION AND PROGRESSION

Art is not an easy option and students must be prepared to work hard at developing their abilities. This requires many hours of work outside the classroom. Students should have an understanding of the basic elements of art - colour, tone, form, etc., and some understanding of the place of art, craft and design in the world - its history and its purpose. Previous skills and knowledge gained in Art History or Design Technology can help students with this subject. The majority of students progress into degrees in Design, Architecture, and Fine Art, but there are many other options such as Medical Photography etc.

COURSE OVERVIEW

Art and Design

Component 1 : Personal Investigation

Three elements: supporting studies, practical work and written personal study

60%

Internally set and marked

Externally moderated

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

Two elements: preparatory studies and 15 hours period of sustained focus (exam)

40%

Externally set and marked

Externally moderated

The main purpose of the course is to develop your ability to appreciate the visual world, respond in a personal and creative way. Above all you should have an interest in creating and understanding art and the determination to develop that interest.

Susan Khampuwieng - Curriculum Leader, Creative Arts