Art, Craft & Design A Level

Course Overview

Enrich your creativity as an artist or designer through a series of integrated, theoretical and practical workshops taught by our experienced specialist teachers in our specialist art studios.  Over two years you will collate and present a practical portfolio of specialist work, undertake a written illustrated study and take one exam.  This work reflects a personal expression of ideas and feelings through the skilful manipulation of visual and written language. 


We have three pathways for you to choose from: 

  • Fashion with Textiles: students on this pathway will explore a range of textile techniques, as well as printed textiles, digital pattern design and making. Work is supported by photo shoots. Focus areas are available in Fashion Design, Textiles for Interiors and Fashion Promotion.
  • Fine Art: students on this pathway will work with painting and printmaking including photographic silkscreen printing, digital painting, sculpture and ceramics.
  • Graphic Illustration: students on this pathway work with traditional studio techniques such as painting, printmaking and digital Photoshop techniques. Ideas are explored through design based assignments, exploring characters developments for short stories as well graphic design assignments.

Year 1 Modules:

  • Observational drawing techniques and processes.
  • Introduction to a range of media processes; making, printmaking, Photoshop, collage techniques and specialist pathway processes.
  • Research techniques, drawing, silkscreen printing and specialist pathways techniques.

Year 2 Modules:

  • Specialist independent assignment (final practical portfolio)
  • Exam Assignment: Research and practical artwork is developed in response to one selected question and an outcome is developed in 15 hours of exam time.  

Key Info

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • Five GCSEs at Grade 5 including:
    • Grade 5 in GCSE Art
    • Grade 4 in GCSE English Language

Assessment

  • 40% Exam
  • 60% Coursework
  • Exam Board: OCR

Exam Results 2022

  • Fashion with Textiles pathway: 83% A* - B
  • Fine Art pathway: 78% A* - B
  • Graphic Illustration pathway: 75% A* - B

 

193

Total students

16

Average class size

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why choose this course?

You will enjoy this course is you have an independent approach to learning and want to experiment with a broad range of media. And enjoy independence of mind in developing, refining and communicating your own ideas, intentions and personal outcomes.

You will be taught through a series of integrated, theoretical and practical workshops by our experienced specialist tutors, we also have visiting specialist practitioners, study trips and art competitions are undertaken.

Skills you’ll gain

  • An awareness of the work of other artists. Pace, dynamics and diversity. 
  • Skills in recording, reflecting and reviewing your own work and work of other artist, designers or crafts people.
  • The ability to explore ideas through sustained and focused investigations, informed by contextual and other sources.
  • Skills with media techniques and processes.
  • Analytical and critical understanding.
  • Reviewing and refining your visual ideas and insights relevant to your intentions. 
  • Presenting a personal, informed and meaningful response to your creative intentions.

After Long Road

Students go on to study a wide range of specialist creative courses such as:

  • Graphic Design,
  • Animation,
  • Games Design,
  • Illustration,
  • Architecture,
  • Fashion & Fashion Marketing,
  • Fine Art,
  • Art Conservation. 

You can progress from this course onto our Level 4 Foundation Art and Design diploma to boost your portfolio and further develop your creative skills before applying to university, apprenticeships or industry internships.

An exciting, enjoyable and inspiring course, the advice I was given by my teachers gave me confidence and helped me become much more independent. There’s a real sense of individual creativeness emphasised throughout the course.