Fine Art A Level

• What will I study and learn?

  Fine art begins with an induction course which teaches core observational drawing techniques.

  
  

  As part of the course, you will learn to draw and paint using a wide range of professional, coloured and textured materials; you will experiment and work in a variety of creative disciplines. Your skills will develop to high standards through regular practice, including weekly homework. Projects are based on design briefs, involving research from direct observation, including the human figure, which often follows visits to museums and galleries. Teaching includes group work and an individual demonstration of practical techniques.

  
  

  You will develop analytical, experimental and documenting skills, a specialist vocabulary and knowledge and understanding of the place of art and design in history and contemporary society. The main purpose of art, craft and design education is to develop your ability to appreciate the visual world and to encourage and promote:

  • Intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive development
  • Investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding and critical judgement
  • An awareness of the interrelationships between art, craft and design
  • Knowledge and understanding of art, craft and design in contemporary society and other times and cultures (i.e. contextual relationships)

  
  

  There will be opportunities to experiment with a wide variety of techniques, including 3D processes and printmaking or textiles. You will also be encouraged to explore the work of contemporary artists working today, and to keep abreast of new forms of art and new ways of working, particularly in terms of how these can be related to your own work.

  
  

  Learners will experience a broad range of interlinking creative skills, discover their own approach and are encouraged to specialise within a range of creative disciplines. The first year will focus on exploration of materials, tecniques and processes of a broad range of creative art, craft and design skills. The second year offers the opportunity for learners to choose a specialist discipline and develop a consistent idea as a primer for pre-degree Art Foundation or degree-level creative courses.

  Specialist areas can include:

  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Textiles
  • 3D design
  • Sculpture
  • Illustration
  • Printmaking

  
  

  With an emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach, this course would suit all students interested in a career in the creative and visual arts. Students will learn about visual culture from diverse sources, including artists, art movements, designers, films, social and cultural history, fashion, philosophy, philanthropy and anthropology, and incorporate themes into making imaginative and personal responses. There are also opportunities to get involved with competitions and live briefs which provide a vocational springboard from which every student can flourish. 

• How is the course assessed?

  A Level Fine Art is based on a portfolio of work which is marked internally and an exam which is marked externally.

  • 60% coursework
  • 40% exam

• What courses would combine well with this course?

  There are many A Levels which would combine well with this course. However, you will only be able to select one specialist endorsed subject in Art and Design as part of your A Level programme. If you have already made a specialist career decision in art and design you should consider the full-time Level 3 courses.

• What skills will I need for the course?

  You should have a creative mind, a willingness to learn and the ability to take on new ideas. You should also be keen to experiment with new techniques, have good creative skills and be motivated to explore art at a highly personal level.

• What formal entry requirements will I need?

  Minimum Requirements - average point score of 5 including GCSE English and Art at grade 5 plus a strong portfolio.

  Points calculation

  The average points score for entry to an A Level programme will be calculated using your 8 best GCSEs OR 6 GCSEs plus 1 technical qualification (equivalent to a maximum of 2 GCSEs and 10 points).

  From 2017 English Language, English Literature and Mathematics GCSE will be graded numerically (1 – 9. Grade 5 = a good grade C, grade 6 = grade B and grade 7 = grade A).

  To work out your average and find out more information, please see our Entry Requirements page.

• What could the course lead to in higher education or careers?

  There are many careers in art, craft and design. Most require further study at art school or university, usually via a one-year diagnostic Art and Design (Pre BA) Level 3 Foundation Diploma course.

  Careers in art and design include advertising, marketing, product design, model-making, film, TV and theatre design, animation, website design, special effects, digital photography, architecture, publishing, the media and teaching. With knowledge of a foreign language, it is also possible to work abroad.

  Success, as in most careers, requires determination and dedication and a career in art and design can be highly rewarding. Also, the study of art and design can help you to develop transferable skills, such as working in groups and problem-solving, which are of crucial importance in any profession.

• Are there any costs involved?

  A studio fee of £70 (for the year) is payable at enrolment for materials used on the course. There will also be occasional visits to museums and galleries. History of art books for contextual studies research are usually available from libraries, but you may wish to purchase your own.