The Art A level has undergone some modification with the advent of the new specification. One thing will not change however, and that will be the emphasis on striving to produce high quality art work, which fulfils exam requirements and exploits and develops an individual's potential in the subject. We will be following a Fine Art course which will relate to the type of work produced at GCSE and, to that extent, should be a natural progression from that exam, utilising the skills and experience gained at that level.  Pupils will be encouraged to explore further the nature of materials and to experiment with them. Ideas can be developed, conveyed and interpreted through images, with each pupil encouraged to work with individuality in the process of doing so. The further development of drawing skills will be fundamental to the course, as this is an essential element in successfully undertaking the representation of an idea as an image.

As in other subjects, the first year of the course will be 2 units which will culminate in an AS level, with a further 2 units completed in the second year of the course, which will result in an A level.

AS Examination - 2 Units

Unit 1: Portfolio

50% of the total AS marks

25% of the total A Level marks

80 marks

A portfolio of work, demonstrating how ideas are developed from a starting point; this should be from a student's chosen area of study.

Unit 2: Externally-Set Assignment

50% of the total AS marks

25% of the total A Level marks

80 marks

Controlled Test

A range of questions will be set by AQA. 4 Weeks will be allowed for Preliminary Studies. Candidates will have a 5 hour Controlled Test in their chosen option to produce developmental work.

A2 Examination - 2 Units

Unit 3: Personal Investigation

25% of the total A Level marks

80 marks

A practical unit with written elements in which candidates are expected to develop a personal investigation based on an idea or concept. Written work supports, and is linked to, the practical work.

Unit 4: Externally-Set Assignment

25% of the total A Level marks

80 marks

Controlled Test

There will be a supervised controlled test of 15 hours. This unit is based on the questions set by the Board which are to be used as starting points. All work for this unit, including the exam will be marked as a whole. All work for this unit, including the exam, will be marked as a whole.

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