AS and A2 level Art - Art and Design (Applied)

AS and A2 level Art - Art and Design (Applied)

All Art and Design courses provide a stimulating and exciting exploration into the varied art specialisms. You will develop ideas by researching into other artists and be encouraged to examine the world around you visually. You will work through a variety of techniques and learn to work with appropriate media, materials and processes. As an Art and Design student, you will be expected to write about your work, to express personal, creative ideas and produce final outcomes using a range of approaches and methods. You will primarily develop your art in A3 Workbooks; final pieces are produced in a wide range of sizes. It is possible to study two Art and Design subjects as part of your learning programme.

WHAT WILL I BE STUDYING ON THE COURSE?
In the AS year you will complete three units one of which is an externally set assignment. The other two units are internally structured based upon curriculum requirements, and designed to allow study in depth of areas that interest you most.

You will be encouraged to explore both 2-D and 3-D form using drawing, painting, printmaking and construction techniques. You will also be encouraged to experiment with computer technology using dedicated software to develop your practice. Practical studies will also be informed by researching other artists in both an historical and contemporary context.

A2 Applied Art and Design has a similar three unit structure as the AS. The externally set unit focuses on vocational links and possible career pathways. You will be required to explore a variety of possible avenues of employment and study relating to artistic practice and then focus on one particular pathway. You will be required to research this further and create practical work related to that discipline.

Within the other two A2 units you will be encouraged to build upon artistic practice developed at AS and to experiment further within areas of personal interest.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING IN LESSONS?
Practical artwork in 2-D and 3-D, experimenting with different media, materials and technology. You will have the opportunity to visit exhibitions and events relevant to your area of study, conduct interviews and fulfil work placements. Time will also be spent planning, designing and discussing in groups.
Subject tutors will help you experiment with media and materials, develop artistic practice and plan workload to incorporate research and problem solving. You will also be subject to regular reviews of project work during the period of each assignment. The emphasis will be on assignments focusing on the world of work, incorporating research and problem solving.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Each unit is assessed independently and then marks are accumulated at the end of the year to give an overall grade. The AS grade is a qualification in itself but taken through to A2 represents 50% of overall achievement.



AND AFTER THE COURSE?
You could continue your studies in Higher Education on an HND or degree course.

You could enter employment. You could combine employment with job related training and gain further accreditation for your skills and experience through an NVQ training programme.

Requirement
A minimum C grade in GCSE Art and English (language) is recommended. However, students who are keen to do A level Art and Design but do not have either GCSE Art or English (language) will be considered on an individual basis. For such students, evidence of art work is useful for us to see at enrolment. Enthusiasm, a willingness to work hard and persevere with work are very important, as is spending time out of lessons building up and further developing your work. Students studying Art and Design courses will need to be prepared to provide some of their own art media and materials as well as workbooks. Most of these materials can be bought at cost price from the shop. You will be told of the specific requirements when you start the course.