60%
Assessment
Art
Course Overview
The course is essentially concerned with exploiting traditional art media, in keeping with developments in contemporary art practice, you are encouraged to explore a range of media and experimental approaches. This is likely to involve a study and exploration of more innovative conceptual approaches to visual communication common to the expanded field of art practice today. This will also incorporate an emphasis on the value of drawing and reflective annotation to record the creative process, whilst exploring a wide range of traditional and non traditional media.
The overall aim of the course is therefore to encourage an adventurous and enquiring approach to art and design which is informed and developed through an in-depth study of both historical and contemporary art practice. In turn this should enable you to embrace and explore a range of ideas in your work of both a personal and an objective/analytical nature and, in so doing, harness a meaningful appreciation of visual culture.
Examination Board:
Eduqas
Entry Requirements:
Grade 5 in Art GCSE. It may be possible to study Art without GCSE however you will be required to share examples of your work and this will be assessed. You must have 5 qualifications at level 2 at grade 4/pass or above.
Course Level:
A Level
What skills will I develop?
| Working as part of a team | |
| Critical thinking | |
| Research skills | |
| Problem-solving | |
| Practical ability in your chosen field | |
| Organisational skills | |
| Communication skills | |
| Ability to justify your choices | |
| Resilience | |
| Self-awareness |
How will I be assessed?
40%
Exam
First Year of A Level
The Year 12 course consists of one internally assessed component, the ‘Foundation skills’ this component requires you to keep a working portfolio which can be defined as a combination of a sketchbook and a visual diary consisting of drawings, paintings, photographs, written notes documenting ideas and other visual research materials. The progression of your work at all stages will be nurtured and stimulated by an organised extra-curricular enrichment programme to include both virtual and hands-on gallery and practical workshop visits. This first part of the course allows you to explore and discover new media/techniques which you have never been exposed to before. Allowing us to work together to personalise the course to your skills and interests. You will explore Art History and gain a greater understanding of how Artists and society links and reflects our generational change.
Year 12 Component: Personal Creative Enquiry: 60% of course
This is the externally assessed unit in which you will generate and develop ideas through drawing, painting, photography, and other disciplines such as ceramics, textiles and printmaking based on a challenging question that you design. You will also research artists, Art movements and experiment with media and processes.
Second Year of A Level
Year 13 Component 1 Personal Creative Enquiry continues, 60% of A Level This is an externally assessed unit in which you will create your own investigation starting point to challenge an idea and challenge the viewer of your work.. You are required to research images using your own photography, internet, and books and also draw from life. Practical work is presented in a sketchbook which shows the clear development of a final piece which could be a painting, sculpture, textile piece or any other creative idea. Art links will also be used for inspiration. The aim of the project is to meet the 4 Assessment Objectives used in marking the work – these cover drawing, use of media and idea development and use of art history sources, as well as producing a final outcome. Reflective annotation should be included in your sketchbook. You will be encouraged to develop your own ideas with the help and guidance of your teacher.
You will undertake a practical investigation into an idea, theme, issue or concept. This practical work will be supported by written material. The focus of the investigation will be identified independently by you and will lead to a finished outcome (a final piece of work). The investigation will demonstrate your ability to develop a cohesive line of argument whilst evidencing your practical skill. A wide range of techniques will be explored using an appropriate range of materials.
A Level Component 2 Externally Set Assignment: 40% of A Level
The question paper consists of a choice of 15 questions to be used as starting points. You will be required to choose one of these questions as the focus for your investigations. The question papers will be provided on 1st February or as soon as possible after this date. Following the preparatory period, you will undertake 15 hours of unaided supervised time in which they will develop an outcome or a series of outcomes.
Is there anything else I should know?
A level Art allows you to develop an exciting and extensive range of creative, communication and technical skills. Art can mix very well with subjects such as Design & Technology, Textiles, Media, History, sociology, physiology and sciences which all deal with moral and social issues and support your understanding of art through cultures and history. They also support you to explore personal attitudes and links to changes and events in society and how Art plays a huge part in recording history.