AS Art and Design

AS Art and Design
Level: AS/A2

Awarding Body: EDEXCEL

Course Content:
The AS and A level art courses offer students a chance to follow an intensive 1 or 2 year programme of practical art and design coupled with critical studies in written and visual form. The course requires a high level of commitment and involvement to meet the standard and quantity of work required at both levels. Although the syllabus is very demanding on the art students it is also highly stimulating and rewarding.

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

This is the first half of the advanced GCE course.

You can decide at the end of the AS course to continue and take the full Advanced GCE. You do not necessarily have to take the full advanced GCE qualification; you can still get a certificate just for the AS. The AS is made up of two units.

Unit 1 Coursework - 60% of the AS, 30% of the advanced GCE
Unit 2 Externally set assignment - 40% of the AS, 20% of the advanced GCE
Unit 2 culminates in an eight hour timed examination. AS is awarded after both units have been internally marked and externally moderated.

Advanced GCE (A2)

The full advanced GCE is made up of the two AS units, plus two more units studied at a higher level. These two units are known as A2.
Unit 3 Coursework - 30% of advanced GCE
Unit 4 Externally set assignment - 20% of advanced GCE
Unit 4 culminates in a twelve hour timed examination. The full advanced GCE is awarded after all combined units 1 - 4 have been internally marked and externally moderated.

The main purpose of both courses is to develop the ability to appreciate the visual world and to respond in a personal and creative way.

Teaching Learning Methods:
The skills developed will be varied. Among them a development of a working knowledge of materials, practices and technology in one or more of the disciplines in art. These include imaginative and creative powers alongside experimental, analytical and documenting skills. A development of specialist vocabulary, the knowledge and understanding of the place of art, craft and design in history and contemporary society will be explored through critical studies.

The specific skills acquired will be determined to some extent by the area of study chosen. For example painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, drawing, mixed media and textiles. The same basic rules and skills apply to all areas of art, craft and design.

Students are allocated 5 one hour sessions within the college timetable and will be expected to do at least 2 extra hours a week in personal study or workshop time. Homework is set weekly and a minimum of five hours a week is expected however certain assignments may require more time for example visiting an exhibition.

Assessment:
Refer to course content.

Skills & Commitment:
Students embarking on the AS and A2 art course must be extremely motivated, committed and fully prepared to undertake the work necessary, inside and outside of college hours. Students will be expected to produce research, homework and evidence of visits to exhibitions and galleries. It is vital that students attend lessons punctually and regularly, work consistently and meet all set deadlines. Students must be prepared to experiment in a wide variety of areas, to be open minded, questioning, and able to take and give constructive criticism in student group assessments and discussions and above all to be enthusiastic and enjoy their work.

Cost:
It is compulsory to buy an art kit that includes a set of brushes, range of graphite pencils, critical studies book, A3 sketch book, glue stick, portfolio and set of paints for use at home. The department will provide most basic materials but students may be required to provide more sophisticated materials as their needs arise.

There will be subsidised Life Drawing sessions which all students must attend. The cost will be no more than £18 per student. Students will be expected to attend exhibitions at London Galleries at their own cost.

Progression:
Art Foundation course or relevant field of employment in Art and Design.