AS/A2 Art

AS / A2 ART

Exam Board: EdExcel
Art is taught in the high performing Visual Arts Department which Ofsted graded as nationally outstanding
in 2008. Art is a popular and successful subject at Paston which encourages you to develop your own sense of artistic identity by providing you with sound practical skills alongside good research methods. You will build upon the skills you bring with you and develop new skills through the process of research and experimentation. In 2008 Ofsted inspectors were impressed by the confident and expressive nature of students practical work. Each year many students go directly on to honours degree courses at university or Art school to study.

Paston has a Progression Accord with the Norwich University College of the Arts for students who may wish to continue their studies locally.

All those who will teach you at Paston are themselves practising artists who exhibit regularly. You will also do workshops with other practising artists as well as visit their studios, and have the opportunity to exhibit your own work, including at the annual Paston
Art Show and The Little Theatre
in Sheringham.

Around Christmas in my second year at Paston I decided I wanted to study Art further. The AS/A course challenges you to try new things. I started in year 12 making detailed studies of faces and ended the course producing work on an 8 by 4 sheet of metal. I have become more confident and ambitious with my artwork and am really looking forward to starting my Fine Art degree at NUCA. Gemma Reeve, studying Fine Art at Norwich University College of the Arts from September 2009.

I have really enjoyed the course at Paston. You are encouraged to try new things and take your work seriously. I am really proud of the work I have produced. Abi Howett Studying Education Studies at Roehampton University. In 2008 Abis performance at AS put her in the top 10 students nationally for Fine Art.

AS Art

In the AS Art course you will study:

The importance of mark making and how to use line effectively.

How to keep a work journal (sketchbook) and develop ideas.

How to analyse a piece of artwork

You will explore painting, printmaking, sculpture and experimental image making using non-Art materials.

Assessment

Coursework - research and images in your work journal and a resolved final piece.

One exam - a resolved piece done under examination conditions.

Entry requirements

A minimum of BBCCC at GCSE, two of which must be Maths, English Language or Science and at least a C in GCSE Art or an acceptable portfolio.

A2 Art

In A2 Art you will build upon the skills and knowledge gained from the AS course to:

Develop your personal visual language through self directed study.

Produce research on an aspect of Art of your choice.

Develop a body of practical work for your end of year exhibition and access to university.

Assessment

Coursework: research, practical
work and 1,000 word essay.

One exam: a resolved piece done
under exam conditions.