Art & Design

What are the entry requirements?

5 GCSE’s at A* – C including at least a grade C in GCSE Art and Design/Textiles.

Course Outline

AS:

Component 1: Personal Investigation (coursework). This unit explores a range of media and techniques. You will be able to develop a personal project leading to final practical outcomes. It also includes researching the work of Artists/ Craftspeople and Designers. This component focuses on skills, through structured lessons and teaching. You will be encouraged to develop your communication skills using Art Critiques.

Component 2 : Externally Set Assignment (ESA). This unit takes the form of a timed 10 hour examination. You will respond to a theme set by the Examination board, through the creation of preparatory studies and final outcome(s). You have a choice of the media you would like to use e.g. Mixed media, printmaking, painting or sculpture etc.

A2:

Component 1: Personal Investigation (coursework). If you continue on to take A level, the second year of study is about building on skills you began to develop during your AS studies. During this year, you produce a creative, mature and technically proficient body of work, showing personal commitment, flair and individuality. As well as the body of practical work, you produce a contextual study (min.1000 words) which relates to your own working practice and the work of Artists that have inspired your work. You will be encouraged to develop your communication skills through Art Critiques.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (ESA). This unit takes the form of a timed 15 hour examination. You will respond to a theme set by the Examination board, through the creation of preparatory studies and final outcome(s). You have a choice of the media you would like to use e.g. mixed media, printmaking, painting or sculpture etc.

How will I be assessed?

AS:

Component 1:- Personal Investigation; Sketchbook of development work and final outcomes. 50% of AS qualification.

AS: Component 2:- Externally set assignment. Sketchbook of development work and final outcome(s) (10 hour exam). 50% of AS qualification.

A2:

Component 1:- Personal Investigation; Sketchbook of development work and final outcomes. Create a personal study of a minimum of 1000 words. 60% of A Level qualification.

Component 2:- Externally set assignment. Sketchbook of development work and final outcome(s).(15 hour exam). 40% of A Level qualification.

Both the AS level and A2 courses are taught together.

What will I study?

Art, Craft and Design is an exciting, challenging and highly rewarding subject to study at this level. We offer a broad approach and you undertake a period of experimentation at the start of the AS course, where you will explore drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, 3D work, digital image manipulation (photoshop) and textiles. These workshops are exciting and challenging and are aimed at developing technical skills, creativity and an understanding of the work of Artists, Craftspeople and Designers. The workshops explore a wide range of materials and techniques that you will use throughout the course. You are encouraged to be inventive, independent and explore the world around you in a visual language, which says something about the way you see and understand the world. You will also learn about the work of Artists, Craftspeople and Designers through independent study and lectures. Visits to Galleries and museums form a vital part of the course.

Where can it lead me?

Students who take Art and Design go on to find employment in areas that include; Furniture Design, Product Design, Interior Design, Architecture. Teaching, Games Design, Illustration, Graphic Design, Fashion Design and Advertising, amongst many others.