A2 Three Dimensional Design (Sculpture)

AQA (1-2 years)
Course Content
Both the AS and A2 level art courses place a distinct emphasis on the exploration of ideas, materials, visual and other sensory sources. They are concerned with the development of your individual responses to your own first hand experience. During the first two terms of the course, you will be encouraged to explore the creative potential of different media and processes. The aim of this essentially experimental phase is to encourage you to acquire and develop skills and awareness.
Drawing from observation as a means of investigation and research will be an essential aspect of the course and all students will be expected to develop their experience and confidence in this area. You will also be encouraged to make connections with the work of other artists and the wider context of art and throughout the course you will have the opportunity to study selected aspects of art through lectures and visits.
Methods of Teaching
Projects are introduced by teachers in the first phase of the course, this is followed by projects tailored more for your own particular concerns. Our aim, particularly in your AS year, is to adopt a flexible approach that can respond directly to your interests, ideas, needs and accumulative experience.
Methods and Patterns of Assessment
AS - You will receive continual assessment on your progress and termly progress tutorials. Your final assessment for your AS level award is as follows:
During the first two terms of the course you will have the opportunity to experience drawing, painting, three dimensional experimentation, printmaking and photography. This phase provides the basis for one extensive practical project Unit 1: Coursework Portfolio (worth 50% AS). Alongside this work you will be expected to build up evidence of your critical awareness of the wider context of art within culture to complement and inform your practical work.
Towards the end of the AS course you will complete Unit 2: Externally-Set Assignment (worth 50% AS). Your response to externally set questions. This involves a preparation period and 5 hour supervised time.
A2 - If you choose to continue into the second year to complete the A2 course there are two further assessments:Unit 3: Personal investigation (worth 50% A2) This involves one, extended, in-depth coursework project using skills acquired at AS level.
Unit 4: Externally-Set Assignment (worth 50% A2) Your response to externally set questions. This involves a preparation period and 15 hour supervised time.
Financial Implications
Although the Art department will provide essential materials for you to work with (paper, paint, drawing media, plaster, clay) you will need to purchase some equipment (paint brushes, portfolio etc). It is important to stress that Art can be an expensive subject and should you wish to use more specialised media this may well involve some personal expense. The College has a Student Support Fund for those students who have difficulty meeting these costs.
Career Possibilities
This course remains the appropriate preparatory course for higher level Art Courses. Careers in Art are numerous and include Commercial Art, Graphic design / Textiles / Fashion / Ceramics / Interior / Theatre design, Architecture / Photography / Film Animation and Video. Also Arts administration, Conservation and Restoration, Teaching and Art therapy.
Only in exceptional circumstances is it possible to combine AS Three Dimensional Design with either AS Textiles, AS Fine Art or AS Photography.