Fine Art

Exam Board Specification


"I have really enjoyed studying this course as I feel creativity is truly encouraged. The staff provide outstanding support throughout the course, encouraging every student to explore a range of mediums and allowing individuals to achieve their full potential." - Madi Murray, Garforth Academy

Qualification

A-level 

Assessment

40% exam, 60% coursework

What do I need to study this course?

You will need a grade 5 in GCSE Art or Merit or Distinction on a two-year BTEC Art and Design Diploma. Students who do not have these qualifications but wish to study A-level Art should contact the department to discus their application.

What will I study?

If you are passionate about art and want a qualification that opens doors to creative futures, this course could be for you. This course gives you the freedom to experiment with a wide range of exciting techniques, from fine art to digital media, while developing your own unique style. You will build strong technical skills, explore creative processes, and study the work of established artists. Students may choose to work in one or more of the following areas:

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

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 1 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

Fine Art Coursework portfolio (Sept – Jan)

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.

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?

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. Degrees include:

• Art foundation courses 
• Art
• Architecture
• Digital
• Fashion
• Graphic Design
• Photography
• Textiles