Our A Level Art & Design course is split into 2 options, Fine Art and Photography. You can only choose one of these options to study during your Art & Design A Level course.
Fine Art
The Fine Art option is perfect for you if you love being creative, and enjoy exploring and experimenting with different art media and techniques. You will begin year 12 with a series of introductory skills-based workshops which includes exploring a wide range of media such as drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media and photography, coupled with in-depth historical and contextual studies analysis. In these mini workshops, you will work in both sketchbooks and on boards and will be encouraged to pursue independent lines of investigation linked to the skills you are learning.
Photography
The photography option is perfect for you if you love taking photographs, and enjoy exploring and experimenting with different image manipulation techniques. You will begin year 12 with a series of introductory skills-based workshops which includes exploring camera techniques and digital image manipulation skills, coupled with in-depth historical and contextual studies analysis. You will work on Google Slides using Pixlr E, Photopea, Photoshop and other relevant apps, and will be encouraged to pursue independent lines of investigation linked to your creative workshops.
The skills-based workshops and sessions for both options last until March of year 12 and you will then begin your Component 1 Personal Investigation which continues into year 13. In this sustained personal project, you can choose your own theme for your project, and complete work, culminating in a final outcome(s) in appropriate media.
Component 1: Personal Investigation - You are required to conduct a practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently and should be an in-depth study that demonstrates your ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning from an initial starting point to a final realisation.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment - Following receipt of the paper in February, you will consider the starting points/themes and select one. Preparatory work should be presented in any suitable format, such as mounted sheets, sketchbooks, slides, workbooks, journals, models and maquettes. Following the preparatory period, you must complete 15 hours of unaided, supervised time. In the 15 hours, you must produce a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes, informed by your preparatory work.
This is a very successful A Level course, and a large proportion of our students go on to study an art or photography based course at university or college.
Component 1: Personal Investigation
No time limit - 96 marks 60% of A Level.
Component 2: Externally set assignment
Preparatory period + 15 hours supervised time 96 marks, 40% of A Level.
601/4456/7
Mrs L Clazey
AQA
Students are expected to have 5 Grade 5 GCSEs including:
Art or Photography GCSE
A portfolio of Art / Photography work
You should have a strong interest and enthusiasm for the enjoyment of Art/Photography and be open to exploring a range of ideas and experiences. There is a written element to the course, therefore good literacy skills are beneficial.
If you decide to follow a career path in the creative arts industries, you will benefit from improved visual literacy, the ability to problem solve and think creatively.
If you choose to follow a career in Art or Photography you may find yourself working within fashion, graphic design, advertising, architecture, film, textiles, illustration, interior design, computer games design or many other of the creative industries, a huge area of growth in employment.