Art and Design

Course summary

Component 1 (60% of A Level) is a personal investigation based on a topic chosen by the student. This is a practical investigation supported by written material. The investigation should be a coherent, in-depth study that demonstrates the student’s ability to construct and develop a sustained project, rom a starting point to a final outcome. Component 2 (40% of A Level) is an externally set assignment where students choose from topics set by the examination board. Students will have a choice of starting points set by the examination board and a preparatory period, starting February 1st in Year 2, resulting in fifteen hours of supervised and examined time. During the first year of study, students are encouraged to develop their understanding and ability in a variety of specialisms that includes art, craft and design, textile design and fine art. This leads to the second year where students select a specialism to develop and work towards becoming proficient in this area by the end of the course. Throughout the A Level there is a strong focus upon experimenting with media, techniques and processes supported by contextual research. Students are then entered for the pathway they have chosen.