“There should be something revelatory about art. It should be totally creative and open doors for new thoughts and experiences.”Tracey Emin
Art and Design A Levels are taught in purpose built studios. Pupils follow a challenging and stimulating course that encourages risk taking, independence and autonomy. A breadth of study is encouraged which will allow candidates to develop a sound grounding in a number of areas whilst still exploring the subject in depth. Ideas are developed and inspired through the research of and investigation into the work of artists and designers both contemporary and past. Understanding is underpinned by regular visits to museums and galleries. Process is as important as product.
Fine Art
Fine Art may be defined as work which is produced as an outcome of the pupils personal experience, rather than that which is created exclusively for a practical function. Work produced will demonstrate creative skills, and give visual form to individual thoughts, feelings, observations and ideas. Possible processes include painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and alternative media (installation, site-specific work, assemblage, mixed media, digital, film and video).
Photography
Photography is offered with use of a well-resourced darkroom and a purpose built studio, housing a bank of Macs installed with Adobe Photoshop. Pupils will learn to use darkroom processes in imaginative ways and will
learn how to creatively control light and time, using a range of handmade, analogue and DSLR cameras. Pupils will be taught through small workshops to introduce a wide range of photographic techniques including image manipulation, studio lighting, camera less photography and contextual studies. They will be challenged to create high quality, personal photographic work.
A level
Course Content and Assessment – Examination Board: AQA, Code: 7202 (Fine Art) / AQA Code: 7206 (Photography)
Component 1:
Personal investigation (No time limit, 60% of the qualification)
The Personal Investigation begins in Year 12 and concludes at the end of the Autumn Term in Year 13. This is a broad component where pupils are challenged to develop ideas from a given/self-initiated starting point.
The course starts with teacher workshops and then is developed into self-initiated work. Pupils experiment with a range of approaches, refining towards more developed pieces as they progress. There is a 1000-3000 word essay about their own personal practice with links to artists, for which teachers provide structure and detailed guidance.
Component 2:
(Externally set assignment: Preparatory period + 15 hours supervised time, 40% of the qualification)
The externally set assignment runs from February to May in Year 13. Pupils are able to choose their theme from seven titles which vary every year. They work to develop their idea with teacher guidance and there is a 15 hour timed examination to conclude the component, which they must complete independently.
Both units are marked internally and externally moderated. Formal assessment with feedback takes place throughout the year along with regular 1:1 tutorials.
An exhibition celebrating the work of our pupils is a highlight of the school calendar.
Co-Curricular
Enrichment
Pupils attend and run clubs to enrich the skills and experience of their peers.
- Life drawing classes are offered to extend pupils’ drawing skills.
- Pupils benefit from attending lectures and workshops by contemporary practising artists in our artist in residence programme.
- Study tours extend pupils’ visual, historical, political and social experience. Destinations have included Paris, Florence, Berlin and, of course, London.
- Printmaking and Art History Electives.
NB: In order to study Fine Art at A Level, pupils will be required to have achieved a GCSE in this subject. In order to study Photography at A Level pupils will be not be required to have achieved a GCSE in this subject or in Art, simply a desire to engage and be inspired!
Careers and Higher Education
Art & Design: Architecture, Arts Management, Communication developments including Broadcasting, Film, Television and Video as well as the more traditional fields of Advertising, Fashion and General Design, including graphics, product and interior. Many degree courses now offer combined subject areas with Art which offer diversity of specialisation useful in a career market which increasingly demands versatility from its prospective employees.
Photography: Graphic Design, Photography, Photojournalism, Advertising, Medical Photography, Forensic Photography, Media Industry and Television.
Art & Design A Level complements any subject choice; whether Law, Journalism, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Medicine, Dentistry (requirement for manual dexterity), Marketing, Maths, English, Art History.
Pupils may wish to study a one year Art Foundation course as a precursor to an Art related degree or in another subject area; Art History, English etc .Many of our pupils progress on to an Art Degree course. Destinations are broad; from Central St Martins in London to Falmouth in Cornwall. News from our alumnae see career paths in Architecture, Graphic Design, Textiles, Interior Architecture, Animation, Fine Art.
Pupils are supported in their applications to the above courses by an experienced department with a strong history of getting our artists into desired destinations.
Art Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded on both merit and the potential that a student shows in her enthusiasm; desire and ability to develop further her commitment to the subject in the future. Therefore, any student applying should certainly have decided to pursue Art/Photography and or Textiles at A Level and possibly beyond.
