Art A Level:         

                 

Examination Board: EDEXCEL

 

Who should take the course?

 

Before Undertaking the A Level Art you should have met the entrance criteria in GCSE Art (Recommended Pathway 5), one of its related subjects, or be able to provide a high quality portfolio of evidence of your skill.

 

What will I learn?

 

A level Art encourages you to develop ideas with much greater freedom and experimentation from GCSE. Through a rich variety of termly project tasks, you are given the opportunity to experience different approaches to Ar. The Department views art as both an intellectual and creative subject; it is one of the means by which we interpret, express and understand our place in the world and as such is viewed as an important aspect of education, as well as a having a significant place in the contribution to the UK’s economy and job market. You will develop your creativity, imagination and knowledge through sustained projects, which challenge you to develop your ideas and intentions through personal, individual responses.  Exploration of materials through pushing boundaries and finding innovative ways of creating art works are key to the development of a personal language and understanding of the nature of art or photography. 

 

You can work in variety of materials, processes and or approaches in a variety of disciplines in Component 1 and Component 2, which is the externally set Assignment.

 

How is it assessed?

 

All students are required to: 

 

  • Record observations, experiences, ideas, information and insights appropriate to intentions
  • Analyse and critically evaluate art and design practices demonstrating an understanding of purposes, meanings and contexts
  • Use art to develop ideas through sustained investigations and exploration, selecting and using materials, processes and resources, identifying and interpreting relationships and analysing methods and outcomes
  • Identify issues relevant to art and design
  • Use a variety of materials and techniques creatively
  • Write clearly in an analytical and critical manner

 

The portfolio equates for 60% of the A level, with a personal study comprises 12% of this portfolio. The additional 40% of the A level comes from an externally set assignment culminating in a period of controlled assessment. The externally set assignment is teacher led for approximately 10 plus weeks culminating in a 15 hour period of controlled assessment.

 

Where will it take me?

 

The courses are aimed at preparing students for subsequent study in foundation and degree pathways, reflecting the values and concerns of art education at these higher levels and of the nature of contemporary art practice in a diverse and exciting world of work, commonly known as the creative industry.

 

On completion of your Art course, you might progress to further or higher education. These may include: 

 

  • A extended diploma in art foundation course
  • A creative degree course of your choice at University
  • An arts apprentice
  • Or the qualification may accompany other career paths but demonstrating your approach to creative problem solving

 

There are many careers in with in the creative industry. Most of these do require further study at an art school, further education college or university. If you are unsure about whether to make a career of the subject, the best thing to do is to speak to your teacher who will know about the courses on offer in your area or elsewhere.

 

At present most students wishing to take Art go on to do a one year ‘Foundation’ course at college of further education or university before applying to degree courses in more specialist areas of art and design e.g. Art foundation to specialise in Graphic design at university level.