Fine Art AS level

Fine Art AS level
If you are interested in art and are good at exploring your own ideas through practical work you will enjoy this course. It covers a wide range of techniques and media, and research into the work of other artists.

What does the course involve?
Studies in art encourage a broad range of skills that can feed into other parts of your life. This is a demanding course that stimulates you to explore the work of other artists as well as your own ideas through practical and written work. You will build confidence in selecting and articulating your personal response to a given title; work on your decision making and project management, be able to form opinions and offer constructive advice to one another as to how a piece of art work could be developed.

What will I study?
In the AS course you are introduced to a broad range of materials and techniques. There is a Coursework Portfolio (worth 60%). This consists of practical, subject based projects that are designed to bridge the gap between GCSE and A level. They provide a good skill base to support the practical exam work and further studies at A2 level. They are intended also to help build your versatility in art and to build your confidence and ability to plan and implement your project ideas in line with the subject criteria. You will be required to choose and study the work of several artists and then respond to what you have seen and read by producing your own practical response work. Finally there is the Controlled Assignment (worth 40%). At the end of a six-week preparatory period a five-hour practical exam is taken. The exam draws on all the skills and processes explored already on the course, and completes the AS Level.

What are the entry requirements for Fine Art AS level?
You should only apply for this course if you meet, or expect to meet, the following requirements:-

• GCSE grade C in Art OR a portfolio of evidence

How is the course assessed?

• Examination at the end of the course
• Coursework

What other costs are there?
Supplementary Costs
Band B (£50 - £150)

Frequently Asked Questions
Must I have studied GCSE Art?
No, we will also accept students who have studied GCSE Textiles or Graphics.It is most important that you have an interest in the subject, and are willing to learn new ways of working.

Do I need to be able to draw?
The course does involve a certain amount of drawing from life and there is plenty of time to improve your skills through practical work. You will certainly need to be able to draw by the end of the course.

What facilities are on offer?
A range of 2D options are available including printmaking (etching, lino etc.), photoshop, and a wide range of drawing and painting options. There is scope to work in 3D for part of your Coursework Portfolio.

Will there be any written work?
Any written work is integrated into the projects you undertake. You will need to annotate, analyse and evaluate your work and the work of others.

What is the difference between Art and Design and Fine Art?
Very little, AS Art & Design is now Fine Art, which means almost anything that could be displayed in a gallery, rather than having a function.

What equipment do I need?
An A1 portfolio, and a range of drawing and painting materials plus sketchbooks. You will be given a list of suggested materials at the start of the course.

Is there an A2 course in this subject? What does it include?
Yes, the AS course leads directly to an A2 course. The A2 is essentially similar but includes a 1000-3000 word written study linked to a Personal Investigation.

Other Useful Information A presentation about all the art courses available to full-time students at Cirencester College
Exam Board = OCR

This information is believed to be correct. Cirencester College continually updates and reviews its provision to ensure that it meets the needs of the community. Therefore the right to amend, change or delete learning programmes, accreditation routes or terms and conditions relating to entitlement to study is reserved at all times. We aim to provide open access to a comprehensive range of high quality education and training for the whole community over the age of 16 regardless of race, class, belief, language, gender, sexual orientation, disability, previous educational attainment or particular circumstances.

Entry Requirements

You will need grade C in FIVE of the following (inc. short GCSEs) : English Language or Literature/Humanities (History,Geography,RS,Sociology,Psychology)/Business/Science (Core and Additional OR triple)/Maths/Foreign Language - If that does not include GCSE English Language, you must take this course at college and achieve a C to progress to A2.
You must achieve a grade C in any GCSE taken which is directly related to this AS level unless a higher grade is specified.