Art and Design

AQA

Grade 5 in GCSE Art or Photography, or strong portfolio assessed at interview.

In all three courses, both units are internally assessed, and grades are verified by a moderator.

Component 1: Personal investigation: 60%

Component 2: Externally set task: 40%

This is an exciting range of courses for students who want to develop a breadth of Art skills.

Students should consider one or more of these courses if they want to widen their expertise to cover: Graphics, Ceramics, Jewellery, Fashion & Textiles, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Sculpture.

Each course is a 2-year AQA, A Level that covers a range of Art and Design disciplines. Students are welcome to choose multiple of these options.

Fine art: this option explores fine art concepts and principals with more of a focus on drawing, painting, printing, photography and sculpture. This is a varied mixed media course that allows for vast exploration.

Textile design: this course has a clear focus on textile skills, techniques and processes that can be used in fashion, surface decoration or sculpture. Skills include print, digital textile techniques, embroidery and rug tufting.

Art, craft and design: this course focuses on design aspects as well as giving students time to explore 3d and 2d techniques, it is a good all-round course that allows students to explore a range of media materials and techniques including ceramics, textiles, drawing, painting and

Component 1:  Personal investigation

The course begins with a theme that encourages exploration of techniques and materials suitable to the course. In Art, Craft and Design these are highly varied and can include: painting, drawing, textiles, sculpture, jewellery, book binding, ceramics, print, digital manipulation and wire work.

The textiles course focuses more on textile techniques including rug tufting, screen print and use of the machinery to manipulate fabrics and paper. This can lead to function or sculptural final outcomes.

The Fine Art course looks at both 2d and 3d techniques to create contemporary art that that explores concepts and use of space.

After experimenting with the materials and exploring concepts and ideas all students are required to conduct a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material 1000-3000 words. Students select the focus of this investigation which informs the direction of the coursework, resulting in a personal exciting portfolio.

Component 2:  Externally set assignment

This unit begins with a choice of starting points set by the exam board and after a period of research, it concludes with a 15 hour (three day) controlled time in exam conditions.  Students are to select the materials, artists and create a range of samples and designs to inform the outcome.   All preparation work is handed in at the start of the supervised time.

Students are able to develop a full portfolio of work that can be used for University interviews.  Many of our students go on to study Art further in London, Cumbria, Newcastle, Dundee, Leeds, Manchester and Glasgow to name a few.  Courses include Architecture, Fine Art, Fashion, Fashion Communication, Illustration, Sculpture, Graphic Design, Knitwear and Art Craft and Design.

The design process is the key to success on this course. Students will be taught how to;

• Apply knowledge and understanding of other artists’ practice.
• Apply skills, techniques and understanding.
• Conduct analysis, synthesis and evaluation

We encourage our students to develop research skills and practical ability, this is often done in conjunction with workshops and gallery visits.  Recent trips include visits to Newcastle, Glasgow, Manchester, London and New York Art galleries.