Art and Design

Course summary

A level Art and Design explores many of the techniques, processes and concepts behind traditional and contemporary art. It gives students a range of skills, the ability to think in depth about the concepts and ideas underpinning great art and a critical approach towards the presentation and quality of their own work. Students may choose up to two of these courses, Fine Art, 3D Design, Textiles or Graphics. These courses are well suited to pairing with other A Levels, vocational courses including photography or critical and contextual studies. During year 12 students develop their ability to use materials, techniques and processes through intense experimentation, guided by in depth research into historical and contemporary starting points. In the second half of year 12 and the first term of year 13, students complete a ‘Personal Investigation’ component in which they apply the skills they have developed through an independently designed project which combines practical and written elements. In year 13 the students complete an externally set (exam) project which comprises 40% of the overall assessment.