Art (Fine Art) (AS/A level)

Specific Entry Criteria

Grade C in English Language and grade C, or above, in Art or suitable portfolio of work (showing potential to work at AS level).

About the Subject

Fine Art can be defined as work produced as an outcome of the students’ personal experience, rather than that created for a practical function or brief. Work produced on this course will demonstrate the use of creative skills and give visual shape to individual thoughts, feelings, observations and ideas. Students will be trying to extend their own and others’ ways of seeing the world. The course will include traditional skills such as painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture or ceramics but also the use of alternative media. Students who enter onto AS/A level Fine Art will recognise and build on features of courses enjoyed at GCSE.

Course Content

Year 1

Unit 1 - Coursework

During this unit students will both explore ideas and develop skills and practical approaches. They will begin to understand how artists use a visual language within the context of selected ideas and investigate a range of sources including first-hand experience in local areas, plus building on written / oral / visual recording skills. Students will explore and experiment with a range of practical materials and approaches and produce a personal outcome.

Unit 2 – Externally Set Assignment

Students will practically respond to a broad starting point given by the examination board, with 8 hours of the work being supervised in exam conditions. Work completed will build on the individual strengths of the student, with more focused, practical skills and knowledge being extended from their previous portfolio work.

Year 2

Unit 3 – Personal Investigation

This is a practical unit with a discrete written element. Students develop a Personal Investigation based on an idea, issue, technique, concept or theme of interest to them, building on their strengths from year 1. They develop a 1000- 3000 word written commentary on the project, analysing their approaches and the sources that they have used for inspiration. The topic or theme for this unit is very much of personal choice and is based on strengths and interests developed at AS level.

Unit 4 – Externally Set Assignment

Students will practically respond to an exam board set starting point to develop work which concludes in an in depth final piece. Exploratory work in preparation for the production of a final piece will be approximately 11-14 weeks, with 12 hours of this work supervised under exam conditions.

After the examination period students display work professionally within an exhibition space, opened to all parents and friends, where success is celebrated.

Assessment

Students are assessed throughout the course, with firm dates for part and full deadlines; graded and 1:1 informal feedback provides the opportunity for students to improve work and subsequent grades. Final overall assessment is in early May.