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This course encourages exploration of what art means to you and to the world around you. Fine Art will develop your creative and practical skills across a wide range of themes and ideas. You will create a portfolio of work, using a number of techniques and media to experiment with and explore your subject.
Assignments address different elements of art, including themes, ideas and processes. Practical, studio-based work is supported by lectures, workshops and visits to galleries and exhibitions to aid your overall knowledge of historical and contemporary movements.
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language and Mathematics. You should have studied an art or design based GCSE and achieved a minimum of grade 4 in the related subject. It may be possible to gain entry to this course without a GCSE in an art or design related subject by submitting a portfolio showcasing your practical work at interview.
Throughout the two years, you will develop your skills through a range of workshops including drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media and 3D.
You will be required to research, analyse and evaluate the work of artists and develop your own responses. During the First Year, subjects such as landscape, the built environment, the human figure and still life are offered as starting points for practical assignments together with more abstract or conceptual themes.
Visits are organised to museums, galleries and other places of interest to help you to develop your understanding of historical and contemporary developments in art. It is expected that you will spend five hours per week on independent study for this course.
Our Art and Design facilities have been designed to provide specialist creative areas of provision for both Vocational and A Level students.
Graphics suites have been designed each with individual screens and the latest Apple Mac computers with Adobe Design suite and A3 laser printers allow for high definition printing.
The specialist printing studio has a range of printing presses including a 160 year old Albion flatbed press, silk screen developing unit and ample storage racks for student work. Students have secure portfolio storage within the building along with dedicated technician support.
Textile design students have two specialist studios fitted with sewing machines, dyeing facilities, knitting machines and a heat press. Individual work stations allow students to work on projects plus ample storage units give flexibility to teaching and learning activities. Three dimensional design studios give students the opportunity to work in plaster, clay, fused glass, wood, metal, light craftwork and jewellery.
Purpose built kiln firing facilities offer a wide range of pottery and glass firing techniques including earthenware and stoneware, glass fusing and an outdoor Raku and sawdust firing facility.
A dedicated team of technicians support the demands of this very popular area of specialist provision, storage of portfolios and 3D work is available to all students using the 3D studios.
The A Level consists of two components of coursework that are internally assessed and externally moderated
– Component 1: Personal Investigation The Personal Investigation consists of two parts: A major in-depth critical, practical and theoretical project in which you investigate a theme or subject matter that has personal significance. You are required to produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates creativity and practical skill.
Critical and contextual studies together with other evidence of development will also be presented for assessment. An extended written element (minimum of 1000 words), which relates to practical work.
– Component 2: Externally Set Assignment After a starting point is selected you will produce preparatory work in response to set assignment materials. You will produce critical, practical and theoretical work and supporting studies that will inform resolved ideas. There will be a timed examination.
The course gives students the opportunity to explore personal interests in art in more depth, developing and extending their study whilst considering new themes and approaches. Students wishing to continue their art & design studies beyond the First Year would normally progress on to Pre-Degree Foundation Diploma in Art & Design with a view to applying for a specialist degree. A Level Art & Design courses are recognised nationally as academic qualifications for university entrance.
