A Level Art, Craft & Design
What is it about at sixth form level?
At this level, you will start gaining a more profound understanding of the processes and techniques involved in the production of art. You will want to develop your flair for creativity and we will want to help you channel it by exposing you to new ideas. We will be pushing you beyond your comfort zone so that you can realise your full potential.
Why study it and what skills does it develop?
An A level in Art, Craft and Design is an excellent basis on which to apply to study the subject further at art college or university as, along with the skills, it will provide you with the portfolio you will need for your application. It is also very useful if you wish to work or study in areas relating to design, fashion and architecture. The course will develop your skills in drawing and visualisation and these have value far beyond courses such as those mentioned already. Engineering and medicine provide two excellent examples of where these skills are of great importance.
What prior knowledge and skills are required?
You will need some experience in art that has been formally assessed, such as an (I)GCSE in Art. You will need to be used to working in a drawing and painting medium. Although not essential, it is beneficial to have some experience with photo-editing software such as Photoshop.
How is the course assessed?
A level
The A level is a two-year course and all assessment takes place at the end of the second year. There are two components. Component 1 is your personal investigation, which is the coursework component. Component 2 is the externally set assignment. You will be required to develop independently a personal response to one of a varied range of stimuli within specified time constraints. The assignment consists of a series of visual (including moving image) and written stimuli set by the exam board. You will develop your response over a preparatory study period. Following the preparatory study period, you will be allocated a period of 15 hours sustained focus study to realise your response unaided and under supervised conditions. Component 1 is worth 60% of the A level and Component 2 is worth 40% of the A level.
Reading
History of Modern Art
By H. H. Arnason
Published by Thames & Hudson, ISBN 978-0500237571
The Story of Art
By E. Gombrich
Published by Phaidon Press, ISBN 978-0714832470
The Story of Modern Art
By N. Lynton
Published by Phaidon Press, ISBN 978-0714824222
Art of 20th Century
By K. Ruhrberg, M. Schneckenburger
Published by Phaidon Press, ISBN 978-0714824222
Exam Board and Specification Codes
WJEC Art and Design A650QS
Greg Ioannou
Head of Department
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