A2 Art and Design (Fine Art)

Art and Design (Fine Art)
The art course mainly focuses on two-dimensional media.
The course is designed to follow on naturally from GCSE Art and Design and is intended to meet the needs of the following candidates:

· those who will undertake further studies in Art and Design
· those who will study subjects and take up careers for which an Art and Design background is relevant

The skills you will develop will be varied. Among them you will develop a working knowledge of materials, practices and technology within Fine Art. You will be encouraged to explore your personal ideas in response to a range of subjects and themes to use the skills you learn in order to interpret and convey your ideas and feelings. You will also be encouraged to develop your imaginative and creative powers, and your experimental, analytical and documenting skills. Along the way you will acquire a specialist vocabulary, as well as a going knowledge and understanding of the place of art, craft and design in history and in contemporary society.

There is an opportunity for students to produce 3D work later in the course if they wish to do so. A separate AS level in Sculpture is also available in the second year.

What Will I Learn On This Course?

All students enrolling on the course will complete a foundation course in the first term which is designed to improve drawing skills, develop an awareness of colour and composition, and to introduce students to the work of artists (past and present). The course provides the opportunity to experiment with a wide range of media, methods and work from direct observation.

During the course students are encouraged to work alongside visiting artists who will offer a variety of workshops. Students are also asked to exhibit their work both inside and outside the College on a regular basis.

The course provides opportunities for students to participate in organised trips to local and national galleries and in study visits abroad. These are provided at a reasonable cost. In the past we have been able to take the students to many major exhibitions, particularly in London, and have visited Paris, Amsterdam, Florence, New York and Barcelona. We believe that these visits are an important part of the student's art education as they enhance theoretical input and allow art works and environments to be experienced at first hand.

Course Content And Method Of Assessment

AS Level

Unit one :coursework portfolio [ 60% ]
A body of work that combines both practical and contextual investigations. Students may produce several themes or just one theme but in greater depth.

Unit two: Externally set Assignment [ 40% ]

A body of work based on a set examination paper. Students will show a development of ideas together with an Outcome [ five hour controlled time

A2 Level

Unit three: Personal Investigation [ 60% ]
A student led theme based on an individual idea that leads to a highly resolved outcome. The practical element will be supported by artist references.

Unit four: Controlled Assignment [ 40% ]
An externally set examination with six weeks of Preparation followed by a fifteen hour controlled studio time in which to produce a well resolved piece.

The syllabus followed is that offered by OCR.

After The Course

The course enables access to further study, through a portfolio of work onto foundation courses in Art and Design and a wide variety of courses at degree level.

Subject Combinations

Students may choose to study this course with another Art and Design subject or combine with choices across the curriculum range

Entry Requirements

5 GCSE's at Grade C, including a minimum of Grade C in Art. Students are required to complete a written element within each art course, therefore a Grade C in GCSE English is advantageous.