Art and Design (Fine Art)

Course summary

The A Level Fine Art course is centred around drawing and painting. Throughout the course, students will also have the opportunity to experiment with a wide range of materials, processes and techniques. These include a range of drawing and painting techniques, printmaking, 3D sculpture, mixed media, photography and textiles-based techniques. During the course, students are expected to explore topics visually and develop ideas creatively. Observational studies from primary sources (real objects, people and places) are a key element of the course. Students also develop their understanding of Art and Design through critical and contextual studies, analysing and responding to the work of other artists. In Year 12, students undertake a preparatory ‘Developing Skills’ course. For the A Level award, students present a portfolio of assessed work for each component. This typically includes sketchbooks and annotated study sheets as well as experimental artwork using a range of media and one or more final outcomes. The Personal Investigation includes a written element of 1000-3000 words. Students taking the A Level award must be prepared to give extra time to studies outside normal lesson time. The ability to demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to creative subjects is essential, although it is not necessary to have taken Fine Art at GCSE level. Dedication and the desire to produce the very best are both essential qualities.