Key Stage 5

Qualification

AQA - 'AS' level and 'A' level

Students are encouraged to develop their practical, aesthetic and conceptual skills through assignment work designed to promote original thought and confident self expression. Students are offered the opportunity to develop technical skills in a wide variety of media including a full range of drawing painting equipment, ceramics, 3-D sculpture, textiles, print making, graphic design, Computer Aided and Digital Imagery.

Coursework projects are designed to address all the syllabus requirements whilst offering the student the opportunity to pursue, creatively, their own interests and preferred working methods. The course encourages independence and opportunities to research, develop and produce highly personal outcomes. Art, craft and design from the past and present is studied and integrated into practical assignments. Students are taken to galleries locally and further afield to experience original works at first hand. They will also develop skills of written, oral and computer aided communication.

Course Length

'AS' level normally one year

Full 'A' level two years

Entry Requirements

A higher grade pass in the subject at GCSE would normally be expected.

Course Delivery

Students will be taught as a group and given individual guidance through regular tutorial sessions.

Opportunities for residential experience will be offered in both years.

Students will be taken to London and Edinburgh to visit important exhibitions and galleries.

Assessment Method

Modules will be assessed in June of Year 12 and Year 13.

AS consists of 2 units of coursework and a 5 hour externally set, controlled test
A2 consists of 2 units of coursework and a 15 hour externally set, controlled test.

Progression from the course

Most students progress to a Foundation Course in Art and Design which lasts one year and prepares them for HND or Degree Courses in a more specialised area. Some students may be accepted for a degree course straight from school.

Students find careers in many different areas including Graphic Design, Product Design, Architecture, Fashion, Theatre Design, Television, the Film Industry, Manufacturing, Photography, Education, Journalism and Advertising.