FINE ART

Fine Art is so much more than merely an aesthetic pursuit – it comprises the demonstration, exploration and scrutiny of contemporary ideas and values through studio practice. Fine Art A level is recognised as being on a par with the most academic A levels because of the emphasis it places on research, conceptual depth and critical rigour. 

Studying Art at A level gives you the opportunity to express ideas and feelings visually with confidence and facility. Students are able to experiment with a wide range of techniques and media including oil, acrylic, collage and assemblage as well as different drawing and printmaking methods. Concepts and observations are developed and refined in order to communicate clearly and powerfully.

Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a wide range of Fine Art materials, techniques and processes. They will be made aware of both traditional and contemporary methods, incorporating Art History theories.

Students should use sketchbooks/workbooks/journals to underpin their work where appropriate. They may wish to develop their drawing skills in order to produce storyboards, thumbnail sketches and/or diagrams, where appropriate.

Students will be made aware of the four assessment objectives to be demonstrated in the context of the content and skills presented and of the importance of process as well as product. Students are required to work in one or more area(s) of Fine Art, such as those listed below. They may explore overlapping areas and combinations of areas.

• painting and drawing
• mixed media, including collage and assemblage
• sculpture
• land art
• installation
• printmaking: relief, intaglio, screen processes and lithography
• film, television, animation, video, photography: lens-based and/or light-based media and new media.

Component  1: Portfolio (worth 96 marks/ 60% of the course)

• The emphasis of this component will be on the development of understanding and skills using an appropriate range of materials, processes and techniques. Students will produce a collection of materials that exemplifies work carried out during the AS course.

Component 2: Externally set assignment (worth 96 marks/ 40% of the course)

• Separate question papers will be provided for each title. These will consist of a choice of five questions to be used as starting points.