Art & Design (Fine Art) - A Level

Taught from a fine art perspective, students explore practical and critical / contextual work through 2D and 3D processes.

Areas of study include painting, drawing, mixed media (collage/assemblage), printing, photographic media, photography, wax entrapment, ceramics, conceptual art, and sculpture.

Students develop visual awareness, technical skills in media such as oil painting and cyanotype printing, and the abillity to analyse complex images.

The course emphasises independent research and the sustained experimentation of personal idea.

Fine Art is a coursework subject, where students are marked on the sketchbooks and final pieces they produce. Student work is marked as to how well it meets AQA’s Assessment objectives evidencing, development, refinement, recording and presenting skills.

Component 1 (Coursework): 60% of the total mark. Includes a personal investigation, a portfolio of practical work, and a related written personal study.

Component 2 (Externally Set Assignment): 40% of the total mark. Students respond to a set brief from the exam board, culminating in a 15-hour timed response under exam conditions.

Minimum of a Grade 5 in GCSE Art and Design or portfolio approved by HOD Art.

• Students have the opportunity to exhibit and present their work at summer exhibitions .
• Students have the opportunity to attend Photography and Art exhibitions
• Students have the opportunity to use Industry standard equipment.
• Students have access to the art department during lunchtimes and after school for individual projects.

• Many students progress to an Art Foundation course to specialise their career and build a professional portfolio for a degree course
• Can lead to university degrees in diverse subjects including History of Art, Psychology, Law, and Medicine.
• Apprenticeships with creative pathways
• Applicable to traditional disciplines like ceramics, silversmithing, and glassblowing, as well as roles in the wider media and design industries.

• Fine artist or illustrator
• Graphic designer
• Animator or game designer
• Architect or interior designer
• Fashion or textile designer
• Art therapist
• Teacher or lecturer
• Museum or gallery curator
• Set or costume designer for theatre/film
• Advertising and marketing creative
• Product designer
• Tattoo artist
• Art conservator or restorer
• Freelance creative industries work

Year 13 Student

‘A-Level Art was an amazing experience that allowed me to develop my skills both technically and creatively, while in a deeply supportive environment.  I plan to study Psychology at University next year.’  

Year 13 Student

‘At A-levels I studied Art, French and Sociology.  What I enjoyed most about studying Art at A-level was having the freedom to decide the direction in which I wanted to take my Art and the topics I wanted to investigate.  I really enjoyed developing the ability to experiment with materials and techniques I had never used before such as cyanotype printing.  I am planning to study an art foundation next year and then go to University to study History of Art.’

Year 13 Student

‘For my A-levels I take Art, Film Studies and Sociology.  I found my A-level Art experience enjoyable as I experimented using new mediums and techniques I didn’t try at GCSE such as oil painting which is now my favourite medium.  I am planning to study an Art foundation next year.’

Year 13 Student

‘Although sixth form was a challenging time, Art A-level eased the experience and has created long lasting positive memories.  I plan to study Law at University next year.’

Year 13 Student

‘A-level art is my favourite subject. It was a stress reliever from my other subjects and a way I can spend my time doing something I like while also accomplishing my A- level.  I am planning to study medicine at University.’