To be successful at A Level, students will learn how to draw from observation and record, paint, print, sculpt and use film to create images by using their ideas and by researching the work of great artists.

Course content:

Year 12

Students will learn how to explore and develop new skills in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture and moving images. The focus is predominantly 2 dimensional. They will be introduced to a host of different experiences, techniques and processes including: diverse approaches to drawing and painting, printmaking, collage and photo/mixed media. Using new and traditional technologies, students will explore images and artefacts, from practical methods to conceptual processes. The portfolio of realised outcomes developed during the course is used to produce key evidence for Foundation and Degree level course applications to prestigious Art Colleges. Frequent enrichment trips to national and European collections underpin this highly successful course in a thriving department.

Year 13

Personal study (60%) – Students select artists’ styles and approaches which reflect their own strengths. The personal project is an in-depth study which enables students to work from initial starting points to a final outcome. Students will learn to make creative decisions, clarify the focus of the study and demonstrate critical understanding of contextual and other sources.

Practical work – this unit extends the opportunity for creative development.

Externally Set Assignment ESA (40%) – A theme is set by the exam board as a starting point for students’ own ideas. A body of work is generated and presented in A3/A2 sketchbooks, with a final outcome produced in 3 x 5-hour exams. All units are assessed by the centre and externally moderated by a visiting moderator.