Art, Craft & Design.

First Year of A Level

The Year 12 course consists of one internally assessed component, the ‘Foundation skills’ this component requires you to keep a working portfolio which can be defined as a combination of a sketchbook and a visual diary consisting of drawings, paintings, photographs, written notes documenting ideas and other visual research materials. The progression of your work at all stages will be nurtured and stimulated by an organised extra-curricular enrichment programme to include both virtual and hands-on gallery and practical workshop visits. This first part of the course allows you to explore and discover new media/techniques which you have never been exposed to before. Allowing us to work together to personalise the course to your skills and interests. You will explore Art History and gain a greater understanding of how Artists and society links and reflects our generational change.

Year 12 Component: Personal Creative Enquiry – 60% of the course

This is the externally assessed unit in which you will generate and develop ideas through drawing, painting, photography and other disciplines, such as ceramics, textiles and printmaking, in response to a challenging question of your own design. You will research relevant artists and art movements, experiment with a range of media and processes, and develop your own creative ideas through practical exploration.

Year 13 Component 1: Personal Creative Enquiry – 60% of A Level Art and Design

In Year 13, you will continue to develop your Personal Creative Enquiry, building on the skills, research and ideas established in Year 12. You will undertake an independent investigation into an idea, theme, issue or concept that challenges your thinking and encourages the viewer to engage with your work.

You will refine your personal starting point through further research, experimentation and practical exploration. This will include collecting images through your own photography, books and online sources, drawing from direct observation, and studying artists and designers to inspire and inform your work.

Your practical investigation will be documented in a sketchbook, demonstrating the development of your ideas from initial research and experimentation through to a resolved final outcome. This could take the form of a painting, sculpture, textile piece, print, installation or another creative outcome that reflects your intentions and interests. You will explore a range of appropriate materials, techniques and processes to refine your skills and communicate your ideas effectively.

Throughout the project, you will work towards the four Assessment Objectives, demonstrating your ability to develop ideas, explore materials and techniques, record observations and insights, and present a meaningful final outcome. Your sketchbook should include reflective annotation to explain your creative decisions, evaluate your progress and show how your work evolves in response to research and experimentation.

The investigation will also be supported by written material, enabling you to develop a cohesive line of enquiry and demonstrate your understanding of relevant artistic and contextual sources. With guidance and feedback from your teacher, you will be encouraged to take creative risks, make independent decisions and produce a personal, ambitious and well-developed body of work that leads to a successful final piece.

A Level Component 2 Externally Set Assignment: 40% of A Level

The question paper consists of a choice of 15 questions to be used as starting points. You will be required to choose one of these questions as the focus for your investigations. The question papers will be provided on 1st February or as soon as possible after this date. Following the preparatory period, you will undertake 15 hours of unaided supervised time in which they will develop an outcome or a series of outcomes.