Course Introduction

Many students choose three creative subjects Art, Graphic Design and Photography and apply directly to universities, bypassing the Foundation Diploma course.

Our students have graduated from reputable universities including Chelsea, Central St Martins, Edinburgh, Glasgow School of Art, Leeds, Newcastle and Norwich.

The course is orientated towards Fine Art, however, within this main area of study candidates will be given the opportunity to pursue different specialisms such as printmaking, painting and drawing, 3-dimensional design, sculpture and photography. You will also digitally manipulate imagery using Adobe Creative Suite.

Course Content and Methodology

The two-year course represents a gradual progression, starting with a highly taught focus in the first year and transitioning to individual and student-centred work in the later part of the course.

In previous years, students have enjoyed international residential study trips in cities such as Florence, Venice and Paris.

Facilities

Students on the programme can benefit from our purpose-built art studio, housed on the top floor of the Prior building which provides stunning views across the city to inspire our artists.

Students can also have their work showcased in the Harper Building throughout the year and at end of year exhibitions. Parents are often invited to view our A-Level art exhibitions.

Course Requirments

The nature of Art and Design requires you to start with a genuine interest in the subject and a high degree of self-motivation. A large amount of the work for assessment is completed outside the timetable structure. You must be keen, highly-motivated and be able to work on extended research assignments. If you have an aptitude for the subject and if you are creative you have the basic skills to succeed, but hard work and determination is the key to success. Students who have not done the subject at GCSE, can still access the course. Students should have an aptitude and flair for the subject, as well as demonstrate the basic skills to succeed. However, hard work, commitment and determination are the key to success in this dynamic and exciting subject.

Assessment

Exam Board: OCR Assessment A-Level Components H600/01

Component 1: Personal investigation

60% of total A-Level Candidates should produce two elements: A portfolio of practical work showing your personal responses, brief scenario or stimulus devised and provided by the candidate or centre (96 out of 120 marks) A related study is a written component with a guided minimum of 1,000 words supported with practical evidence. (24 out of 120 marks) This component is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Component 2: Externally Set Task

40% of total A-Level

The early release paper is issued on 1 February and will provide you with a number of themes, each with a range of written and visual starting points, briefs and stimuli. From these, you must select one, upon which to base a response.

Externally set task (80 marks) 15 hours.

This component is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Facilities