Course description
In A Level Art and Design you will work to given themes in set projects, you develop your skills in observational and experimental tasks in drawing, painting and making creative artwork in two and three dimensions.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths, with English at grade 5. A GCSE in Art at grade 5 is essential.
You may be asked to show examples of some previous art and design work to demonstrate your interest and potential.
You will not be required to buy any art materials before starting, but you may feel you want to in which case please get some advice from the tutor.
Training Course Content
The art disciplines available within this course include painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, illustration, graphic design, fine art textiles, spatial design, film-based photography, digital photography, and film & video. Each of these has a specific set of practical workshops designed to build your skills in all of these areas.
As part of your academic studies, you will also be introduced to a series of artists and their work in the form of artists' research, which you will be expected to synthesise into your own practice.
As creative students, you will follow a creative process, in which you play and develop ways of communicating your ideas visually. When generating and developing new ideas you are expected to be proactive, persistent, and self-motivated. Producing creative, individual, and exciting outcomes can inspire and challenge the viewer through interaction with your work and engagement with their ideas. You will be introduced to a variety of practical workshops allowing you to explore your ideas through experimental making.
As part of the A Level course, you will have access to experts in various fields within art and design, many of whom are still practicing artists. As part of this expertise, you will also develop your employability skills within the industry of your choice. These skills will include critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and research.
Year 1
Component 1: Portfolio 60% of AS
Component 2: Externally set assignment 40% of AS
Year 2
Component 1: Personal Investigation 60% of A Level
Component 2: Externally set assignment 40% of A Level
Course delivery details
In timetabled sessions, activities include:
- practical workshops
- research seminars
- presentations and discussions
Work may be undertaken independently and in small groups.
Homework is usually set once a week and may include research and preparation for classes, as well as starting and continuing practical work.
We expect our students to be fully committed to their studies and attend all timetabled sessions. In addition, you will have the opportunity to attend trips and visits according to the needs of your subject.
We have an extensive set of professional workshops which you will have access to once you have been inducted. These include a photography studio, 3D workshop, printmaking workshop, and textiles facility. You will produce a significant body of work that reflects your individual creativity, skills, interests, and approach.
If you wish to pursue further study in art and design, you will be given support while you compile a personal portfolio of creative artwork that may be taken to interview for an art foundation diploma course or direct entry to higher education.
Coursework units are assessed internally by subject tutors and sampled for moderation by AQA. Projects and assignments for coursework are set by subject tutors and students in collaboration.
Externally set assignments are overseen by AQA and students are required to produce their finished work within a specified time limit. Work is then internally assessed by subject tutors and sampled for moderation by the AQA external examiner.
Activate Learning
Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group that aims for far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning. We work with learners as individuals, helping them make the choice of course and career pathway that’s right for them. Our mission is to provide work-ready talent for business, and...