Art & Design
Art & Design
The fundamental essence of the Fine Art A Level course is creativity and originality, which is an essential element in careers such as architecture, graphic design, illustration, film production design, animation, interior design, Fine Art and more. The UK’s creative industries are among the fastest growing sectors of the economy and one of our biggest exports, offering exciting opportunities for future careers. In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, the ability to think creatively and independently has never been more valuable. Even if you do not choose to pursue Art at university, an A Level in Fine Art illustrates a creative mind, which is an important aspect in all areas of academic study.
At the start of the course in Year 12 is workshop based. Here you will experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques, but also ways of thinking about, reflecting and concepts related to Art. Research into contemporary artists will play an important role in informing your work, as well as creating a foundation for experimentation and creative development.
The course is then based on a single project - the Personal Investigation (the portfolio/Coursework 60% of overall mark), and an exam project - The Externally Set Task (40% of overall mark). The theme of the Personal Investigation is decided by the student, and the theme for the Externally Set Task is chosen from a list of questions in the exam paper.
The focus of Year 12 is the Workshops expanding knowledge of techniques, processes and concepts. Later in the year the Personal Investigation is then started which will run from Year 12 into 13.
Classwork will be experimental and homework, which will consist of some written analysis into a range of contemporary artists, presentation and experimentation, will be done in the Sketch book, which will build into a wonderful collection of images, reflections and analysis.
Research into contemporary artists will play an important role in informing your work, as well as creating a foundation for experimentation and creative development.
The Personal Investigation will continue until the end of January in the Spring term.
The examination project - Externally Set Task - will begin on the 1st of February.
The Externally Set Task is the same format as the Personal Investigation.
It will end with a Controlled Test, which takes place over 3 days and is a total of 15 hours, and it is usually used to create the final piece. The controlled test usually takes place around the end of April.
The A Level will be assessed by means of two units.
Unit 1- Personal Investigation—60% of overall grade.
Unit 2- Externally Set Task—40% of overall grade.
The Examination Board is AQA. You can link to the full specification here.
If you have any queries about this curriculum, please contact: Mr James Suret, Head of Art & Design, on jxs@farlingtonschool.com