Art

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"A-level Art has given me a deeper understanding and knowledge of different artists (historical and contemporary) which allowed me to explore their techniques and styles to further developed my own work and help me find my inner style. This course gave me opportunities to improve my work but it also expanded my creativity and skill, enabling me to express myself." Juliana Grisina, lower sixth student

Qualification

A-Level 

What do I need to study this course?

Grade 5 in GCSE Art or Merit or Distinction on a two year BTEC Art and Design Diploma. Students without these qualifications who wish to study Art should contact the department.

What will I study?

You will learn technical skills and study the work of other artists as a basis for your own artistic practice. Students work in one or more areas: drawing and painting; mixed media including collage and assemblage; sculpture; ceramics; installation; textiles. The course is assessed through a personal investigation, which involves a work journal, a final piece, and a 15-hour exam, with accompanying sketchbook.

SCHEMES OF WORK YEAR ONE OUTLINE A-LEVEL FINE ART  

We use a framework laid down by the Edexcel exam board, but will seldom or never teach the same scheme or lesson twice. We feel that the subject is constantly changing and should be taught with this in mind. Hence these schemes are subject to constant manipulation both annually and at any time during the year.  

COMPONENT ONE – Personal Investigation 60% of overall mark

Portfolio of work worth 72 marks 

Persona Investigation study 18 marks 

COMPONENT TWO- Externally set assignment worth 40% of the overall grade

Preparatory period +Supervised time 15 hours

Externally set assignment 72 marks 

Work produced will be marked by the centre and moderated by EDEXCEL

The teaching of the first term’s work for Year one students takes into consideration the fact that students have attended a large number of schools, experiencing very diverse GCSE courses. This initially acts as an opportunity to give students a taste of many practical and conceptual approaches to the subject, as well as a wide range of artists and craftspeople.

Fine Art Coursework portfolio (Sept – Jan)

Areas of study – students are required to work in one or more areas.

• Drawing and painting
• Mixed media including collage and assemblage 
• Sculpture
• Textiles
• Installation
• Printmaking 
• Photography 
• Digital  

What next?

As well as art foundation and degree courses, students progress to architecture, graphic design, textiles, fashion marketing, and photography. Notre Dame students have gone on to study at some of the most prestigious institutions in the country, including the Royal College of Art, and Russell Group universities.

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