AS/A2 Art and Design

A Level

In Northwich

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    A Level

  • Location

    Northwich

  • Duration

    2 Years

Important information

Government funding available

Facilities

Location

Start date

Northwich (Cheshire)
See map
Monarch Drive, CW9 8AF

Start date

On request

About this course

Students who have achieved grades A or B at GCSE are ideally suited to cope with the course. We will, however, consider those with a grade C, subject to a portfolio interview. Students who have not taken the subject at GCSE may also apply but will be asked to undertake a drawing exercise when their potential will be assessed.

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Course programme


AS/A2 Art and Design

Why study Art and Design?
Art and Design is an exciting stimulating subject that encourages creative self-expression. Art and Design at Sir John Deanes College is about students and tutors working together in a supportive, dynamic atmosphere exploring a wide range of individual solutions to given problems. Students should be committed to the subject and happy to be both supported and challenged.

What will I study and how will it be assessed?
The Art and Design course has a very broad base and drawing is an essential element of this. Different types of drawing are explored: observational, analytical, expressive, exploratory etc. Secondary source material may be used to influence and inspire your work and you will certainly be advised and encouraged to explore and evaluate the work of professional artists and designers. Linking the Critical Study element with your creative work is a necessary part of the course.

The AS Level is a taught, structured course and emphasis is put on introducing students to new materials, techniques and different approaches to the subject. Relating the work to that of professional artists and developing it through extended research will help you to achieve a successful outcome to any project. Great emphasis is put upon developing the creative and expressive content of your own artwork as the course proceeds. Sketchbooks are used to underpin all work. They will contain observational studies plus ideas developing from historical and contextual material as well as those that sometimes relate to gallery visits. Students are required to produce an extended coursework unit (worth 50% of the overall grade, using techniques acquired) and there is an end of course exam that accounts for the remaining 50%. All work produced on the course becomes part of your portfolio submission.

The A2 course is the natural progression after AS. In the second year students are expected to work much more independently, ideally creating their own starting points and developing the work in the direction they consider most appropriate. Guidance and support is given throughout and work may well be based on experiences and interests developed in the AS course. For this level you will again be required to produce an extended unit of coursework, accompanied by a written and illustrated journal on a subject/artist of your choice. There is also an extended 15 hour exam at the end of the course. Marks are allocated exactly the same as for the AS course: 50% for the coursework unit and 50% for the exam.

Again all work produced can contribute to your overall portfolio submission.

Does it link well with other subjects?
Art can be successfully combined with any group of subjects. It is a widely recognised course in terms of Higher Education entry and is accepted as a support subject by all universities and colleges for almost every degree course.

Where might it lead?
Students go to university to study for a degree in Textile Design, Fashion Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Automotive Design, Animation, Photography, Fine Art, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Theatre Design, Jewellery, Graphic Design, Film and Television, Furniture Design, Ceramics and Glass, Three Dimensional Design etc. All of these relate directly to areas of employment.

Extra-curricular activities?
Yes. Each year some students participate in the Cheshire in Tuscany initiative and the department also runs a three-day residential drawing and sculpture course at the end of the Lower Sixth for interested students. Critical study visits abroad are also undertaken. After College, Life Drawing classes are also available for interested students.

Organised gallery visits?
Yes, in both years of the course.

If all this appeals, then we look forward to the opportunity of helping you meet the challenge of Art at AS and A2 Level.

AS/A2 Art and Design

Price on request