Art (Fine Art) - A Level

Why should i study art (fine art)?

This is a great qualification for developing your practical art skills. It is an open and welcoming course where, after a short time spent learning new printing, painting and 3D techniques, you can explore your own ideas.

Fine Art is a subject that can be helpful to any student who wants to apply to an Art related degree course. It also combines well with any other subject at college including any other Art and Design subject. Our department provides a creative place to work and we have some of the best resources in the local area for Art, including sculpture and ceramics.

Many Fine Art students will also take the opportunity to pursue an art related Extended Project Qualification. Developing your skills by looking at artists and designers is an important part of any artist or designer’s experience.

We invite guest artists in to run one day workshops throughout the year and we also have many visiting speakers from universities to give you information about progression opportunities and careers.

Course content

The first part of the course consists of an induction project where you learn new skills guided by your Art teacher. This is followed by a more independent and personal project where you get to understand the assessment criteria and standards required at A Level.

This leads up to you starting your A Level coursework in the summer term. During the first year you will be learning new techniques, looking at the work of other artists and building up your skills and understanding of contemporary art practice.

Progression onto year 2

Progression to the second year of this A Level course will be dependent on having made satisfactory progress in the first year of the course, including achieving at least an E grade in a formal late spring assessment, as well as the maintenance of a good level of attendance and commitment throughout the year.

Final assessment at end of year 2

The second year consists of two components – coursework and an exam project. There is a short written element to the coursework. In the A Level second year you will be further developing your skills and exploring your ideas to a high standard. You will produce a portfolio of high-quality artwork that can be used for Art and Design degree interviews.

Assessment

All A Level coursework is due in at the end of January in your second year. From the start of February you will then start your exam project. In May, at the end of the exam preparation period, you will be completing a final piece during a 15-hour exam – spread over 3 days. The coursework is worth 60% of your A Level mark and the exam project is 40%.

Minimum entry criteria

For an A Level programme of study, we normally require students to have a range of at least five to seven GCSE passes at grade 4 or higher, ideally including English and Mathematics, but students must also satisfy the minimum entry criteria for A Level Art below.

Grade 4	GCSE Art & Design or Textiles or Graphics
or
Merit	Level 2 Art & Design

For those who have not previously studied a GCSE in Art and Design or Textiles or Graphics, or an equivalent Level 2 course, it is still possible to be considered for this A Level Art course.

During the interview, you will be asked to bring examples of your work. This could be a portfolio, a sketchbook or even just images of the types of things you have worked on previously.”

What can I do after studying Fine Art?

Art can lead to many creative careers including graphic design, illustration, architecture, product design, web design, fashion and textiles, industrial design and animation. Most universities offer courses in these subjects.

Further information

The basic requirement is for students to buy an A3 coursework sketchbook for the first day and to have some pencils and paints available for homework. They will also need an A1 Portfolio by the end of the first term.