Why Art and Design?
The A Level course in Art forms a natural progression from the various skills acquired at GCSE level. This course is designed to encourage candidates to:
• Develop their interest in, and enjoyment of, the study of art and design, fostering its value in lifelong learning.
• Develop personal responses to ideas, observations, experiences, environments and cultures.
• Work from their strengths and interests within the remit of the course specification.

Are there any recommendations for entry to the course?
Students must have achieved a grade 6 or above at GCSE and be motivated and dedicated to work hard to produce artwork of a high standard on a consistent basis at home and at school.

What will I study?
The specification offered is ‘Art, Craft and Design’ and areas of study include; painting and drawing and mixed media, including collage and assemblage.

Lower Sixth
Candidates choose one endorsement for study throughout L6 and U6. During L6 students are introduced to a variety of experiences employing a range of media, processes and techniques appropriate to the chosen area of study.

Upper Sixth
During the U6, candidates are required to build upon the knowledge, understanding and skills gained in the previous year with greater depth of study. Two assessments are undertaken:
Component 1 – Personal Investigation.
Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment.

How will I be assessed?
Component 1 – Personal Investigation
60% of A Level (No time limit. 96 marks, set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA.)
Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment
40% of A Level.(Supervised time 15 hours. 96 marks.
Work produced will be marked by the centre and moderated by AQA.)

What can study of this subject lead to?
Studying Art and Design can lead to many exciting career paths. These include Fine Art Painter, Graphic Designer, Advertising, Interior Design, Fashion Design/ Illustration, Computer Graphics/Animation and Fine Art
Illustration, Teacher or Lecturer, Theatre Set Designer, Gallery or Museum Management, Illustrator for magazines, websites or title screens for major motion pictures.

Is there anything else I should know?
The department operates a totally ’open door’ policy for Sixth Form art students, which means that they can use the art studio facilities at any time of the school week, even when other classes are timetabled. The course is enhanced by various opportunities to enter art competitions, undertake gallery visits and contribute towards regular displays in the school itself.