Students who wish to undertake further studies in Art, Craft and Design, usually at Art college or further education.
Students who are looking to take up careers for which an art background is relevant. These might include advertising, publishing, architecture, museums, theatre or art gallery work.
Students who have an interest in and an aptitude for the subject, but who do not intend to take the subject beyond AS or A Level.

Advanced Subsidiary (AS)

This is the first half of the A Level course and is made up of 3 units. It is possible for you to gain certification at the end of this year.

Unit 1 Thematic Enquiry 30% of AS or 15% of A Level

A starting theme will be set, from which one or more well-considered conclusions should be developed.

Unit 2 Expressive Study 30% of AS or 15% of A Level

The expressive force of art and design will be explored. A work journal should be used to develop understanding of the formal elements of art and tasks may be developed either independently or through discussion with teachers or other students.

Unit 3 Externally Set Paper 40% of AS, 20% of A Level

A question paper will be given to you at the beginning of the Autumn term of the first year of the course, which will provide a choice of questions. This will be taken at the end of the AS course and represents the culmination of the work so far.

The externally set assignment may be linked with or evolve into your work for the Independent Study at A Level – for more detail see Unit 6.

Advanced Level (A2)

Having completed the three units above, you must complete three more units studied at a higher level to qualify for a full A Level.

Unit 4 Contextual Study 15% of A Level.

The Contextual study requires you to link your own practical work with a broader study of art, craft and design. It can take a variety of forms: a written and illustrated thesis of 1500 – 2000 words, a substantial display or video, or any other equivalent form agreed by your teacher.

Unit 5 Problem-Solving 30% of A Level.

You are required to identify a ‘problem’, in art or society, and then present your thoughts and suggested solutions to this problem by visual, written and spoken means e.g.

An investigation of some of the ‘formal’ problems in art through the ages:

The illusion of space on a 2-D surface
The difficulties of combining three or more materials in a work

An investigation of an ‘issue’ or a ‘perceived issue’ in society:

Equality of opportunity: race, gender, culture
The effects of consumerism in society
Environmental concerns

Unit 6 Independent Study 20% of A Level.

The subject for the independent study may come from earlier coursework, or may be developed from work undertaken from the question paper for the AS Externally Set Assignment (Unit 3). Twelve hours of supervised unaided work will take place towards the end of the course, when you will be expected to use art to communicate and express your own ideas in a well-developed personal style, showing your understanding of the formal elements, the processes and the practices of art, craft and design.

Some visits to appropriate exhibitions and events will be arranged by the Art Department during the course; however students are expected to regularly visit museums and galleries as part of their independent study. They are also advised to enrol in life drawing classes.

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