AS/A2 Art and Design

AS/A2 Art and Design
AS/A2 Art is a form of visual communication and expression of ideas and feelings through the skilful manipulation of materials.You are encouraged to find a way of working that is personally fulfilling and therefore enables you to achieve your potential. In all studios you are taught a broad range of techniques with an emphasis on experimentation and exploration.On our Foundation Drawing programme you also develop your observational drawing skills by working from life and from a range of other primary sources.You are encouraged to reflect on the quality of your own progress and that of other students through informal open group discussions and more formal interim assessment.

Textiles and Fashion
You explore areas of fashion and textiles to create new and innovative Fine Art work. Inspiration and reference come from a range of starting points. Techniques and processes include repeat/surface pattern, woven/bonded fabrics, batik, felt making, stitch and machine embroidery. Materials including fabrics, paper, wire, thread and found materials are used. Textile work can become garments or remain as fine art textile pieces.

Sculpture and painting
You learn to use a wide range of techniques fundamental to both sculpture and painting. The 3-D component will enable you to make sculpture using clay, plaster, wood, card and metal through the processes of modelling, carving, casting and constructing. No previous 3-D experience is necessary. You will learn a range of 2-D techniques, extending your experience of painting to include mixed media, acrylic and oil. Experimental printmaking techniques of etching and collography are also taught. This studio is particularly suitable for students who want to keep their options open while having the opportunity to develop and explore new ways of working.

Painting and Printmaking
Individual ideas are developed using a wide range of techniques and materials. You explore painting (oils, acrylics, watercolours), drawing in different media, collage and printmaking. You can paint on your own stretched canvases and explore a range of printmaking techniques: mono-printing, collographs, screenprinting and etching. We emphasise working from direct observation and encourage you to study the work of others.

Digital and Mixed Media
You experiment with a range of techniques, processes and materials to explore and develop your own images. You use various forms of printmaking, digital imaging, drawing, collage, painting and mixed media to find effective and unusual ways of producing digital artwork. We emphasise working from first hand observation using a wide variety of materials and combining this with image manipulation in Photoshop andIllustrator.

AS Course Content
At AS your learning will be mostly group based as you develop skills using different media.The AS course comprises two modules:

• Coursework portfolio
• Five-hour controlled assignment

A2 Course Content
At A2, one-to-one teaching will enable you to develop your own individuality.The A2 course comprises a further two modules:

• Personal investigation
• 15-hour controlled assignment

Is Art and Design for you?
You will enjoy and benefit from Art and Design if you:

• enjoy the subject
• would like a course which allows you to broaden your knowledge and where anemphasis is placed upon exploration and experimentation.

Art and Design and your future
The study of Art and Design at this level can lead to further study of Art on a Foundation course or direct entry onto a degree course.Examples of degree courses, leading to possible future careers, include Fine Art, Architecture, Interior Design, GraphicDesign, Furniture Design and a range of combined courses. If you are considering a career in any area of art and design, you are strongly advised to study Art A level. Doing so will mean that you will be more confident visually, and youare therefore likely to be far more successful in your chosen field.

Visits and Vistors
In addition to practical studio sessions, you are also encouraged to visit galleries and museums, and we regularly arrange trips to the Fitzwilliam Museum, Tate Modern, Tate Britain and V&A. On completion of the A2 course, your work will be part of our annual summer exhibition, which is open to the public.