A-LEVEL Art, Craft and Design
A-LEVEL
This course extends the creative skills and experiences of GCSE, exploring a wide range of media, materials, artists and processes. A personal approach to skills development and the exploration of art is encouraged.
Subject requirements:
+ GCSE 5 in Art + ONE of EACH of the following from GCSE or personal portfolios (eg in Powerpoint presentation, one image per slide): observational drawing; work showing good use of media; research piece on artist or designer; final piece of artwork or design; your favourite, most successful piece of work
Teacher contact/Art Area Coordinator - Mrs C Wyman-Smith -
Course Content
Year 12
Component 1: Throughout the Year 12 course you will develop work for your portfolio. The course includes drawing, painting, ceramics and print making. The study of artists and illustrators enhances the development of your work. During Year 12 you create your own self-directed portfolio project, that allows you to explore and develop a wide range of work from your own chosen starting point.
Component 2: Internally set assignment for year 12 exam. You choose one question and complete preparatory work in the lead-in period before your final ten-hour practical exam at the end of the course.
Year 13
A-Level (60% coursework, 40% exam)
Component 1: Consists of the ‘Personal Investigation’, based on a theme, concept or starting point of your choice. This will allow you to study a wide variety of media, materials, techniques and processes. You will use your understanding of artists and designers to develop your own practical work. The Personal Investigation includes a compulsory written element of 1,000 – 3,000 words.
Component 2: ‘Externally set assignment’, worth 40% of your A-Level. The project involves a lead in period of preparatory work followed by 15-hours of ‘supervised time’, in which you complete your final piece at the end of the course.
Assessment Criteria
Assessment Criteria Assessment Objective 1: Developing ideas/using reference/sustainment
Assessment Objective 2: Experimentation/reflection/technical expertise
Assessment Objective 3: Recording/research/observations
Assessment Objective 4: Personal response
Exam Board: AQA A-Level 7201/c and 7201/x
Students will need to bring along their Art portfolio to their guidance discussions.
Are you interested in:
- Media and materials?
- Fine art and print making?
- 3-D design?
- Graphics, illustration and design?
- Artists and museums?
Leading to a career in:
- Design
- Illustration
- Architecture
- Fashion
- Photography
This subject goes well with:
- Product Design
- Media Studies
- Business
Please click on the video below to hear from Lauren about her thoughts on the course.