Entry Requirements

Grade 6 or higher in GCSE Fine Art or Art & Design.
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: AQA

Why Study Fine Art?

Fine Art offers the opportunity to delve into creative investigations of self-expression and explore how to push the boundaries of what human expression can be.

You will be taught in a new dedicated Art studio room within the RR6 building. The school is surrounded by parks which are prime spaces for observational drawing and painting.

This course is taught by highly trained artists who will teach students how to look closely at the world around them, interpret their experiences, ideas and concepts, and find meaningful and technical ways to communicate them. Students will develop their creative process and practice, build confidence in their own visual language and learn how to share their ideas with the world.

Through a wide variety of media and experimentation, this course will encourage students to question, take creative risks, experiment and problem-solve, developing critical, creative and analytical thinking alongside independence and confidence. These are highly transferable skills that can support students in whatever career path they choose in the future.

This subject is not only about learning how to make. It is about learning how to observe, investigate and question in a way that leaves no stone unturned, while finding your own visual language to open up important conversations with the world.

What Topics Will I Study?

You will develop your creativity and practical skills through a wide range of artistic media, including drawing, painting, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, photography and installation. You will explore both traditional and contemporary techniques, supported by research into artists from different cultures and historical periods, developing your ability to analyse, interpret and respond to artwork.

One of the most exciting aspects of Fine Art is the freedom to explore projects around your own interests. Whether you want to experiment with painting, create large-scale sculptures or installations, or communicate personal ideas through mixed media, you will be encouraged to take creative risks, develop your own artistic style and transform your ideas into individual, meaningful outcomes.

How Will I Be Assessed?

You will develop a range of projects throughout the two-year course, and both your creative process and final outcomes will contribute to your final grade. Your sketchbooks, research, artist studies, experimentation and development of ideas are all important parts of the assessment.

Your assessment is divided into two components. The Personal Investigation, developed around a theme or subject of your choice, is worth 60% of your final grade and includes practical work supported by a written study of 1,000–3,000 words. The Externally Set Assignment, worth 40%, begins with a choice of themes set by AQA. You will research and develop your ideas before completing a final outcome during 15 hours of supervised time.

Throughout the course, you will be assessed against four Assessment Objectives: AO1: how you research and develop ideas, AO2: experiment with materials and techniques, AO3: record observations, and AO4: produce personal and meaningful final outcomes. As the course progresses, you will be encouraged to work with increasing independence and develop your own creative voice.

An Example/Illustration of the Type of Work Involved

You will be required to work in at least one or more of the following areas: drawing and painting, mixed-media, including collage and assemblage, sculpture, ceramics, installation, printmaking, moving image and photography. You will explore overlapping areas and combinations of these art practices.

What Careers or Higher Education Follow from this Subject?

Fine Art is a springboard to a broad and exciting range of creative career pathways. You may choose to progress to a Foundation Diploma in Fine Art or move directly into a degree in a specialist area. The creative, practical and problem-solving skills developed throughout the course can lead to careers in painting, illustration, graphic design, photography, animation, fashion, architecture, art education, and gallery or museum curation. Whether you pursue further study or enter the creative industries, Fine Art provides a strong foundation for developing your ideas, skills and creative potential.

Other Opportunities Available Whilst Studying This Course

As a Fine Art student, you’ll visit galleries, exhibit your work, use our specialist studio, and work with local colleges and universities such as Wimbledon College of Art. You’ll also have opportunities to join trips, exploring inspiring art, architecture, and culture. These experiences will help you build sketching and photography skills while creating valuable resources for your coursework and practical exam projects.

We offer workshops and Saturday schools, including activities with the University of the Arts London, to help you develop your skills and achieve success at A Level. There will be artist visits from industry professionals with a focus on specific areas such as photography and illustration.