THE ECCLESBOURNE SCHOOL

Key Stage 3   |    Key Stage 4   |    Key Stage 5

Exam Board: AQA

Contact: Mr D Davies

Course Overview

If you are a creative and motivated student, with a genuine interest in the subject, regardless of career choices, then Fine Art A Level is for you! The course builds on skills you have already developed at GCSE and allows more ambitious and personal work to be tackled. In the past, students have taken the subject because they have a talent for it, wish to study Art at degree level or because they felt it complemented their other subjects.
During the course you will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of fine art media, processes and techniques. As part of the course you will explore the use of drawing and painting for different purposes, working on both large and small scale outcomes. The use of sketchbooks will underpin your studies from the outset. You will explore a range of resources relating to a range of art, craft and design from the past and more recent times. Organised school trips to galleries and exhibitions along with your own independent visits will play an important part throughout the A Level course. If you have a particular skill in textiles, photography or film making this may also be utilised during the production of your portfolio.

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Component 1 - Personal Investigation (60%)

This is a practical component supported by some written material. You will develop a personal investigation based on an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a final outcome. This may be a finished single outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. The emphasis will be on a self-directed study and it should demonstrate your ability to sustain work from an initial starting point to a realisation. The investigation should include evidence of your ability to research and develop ideas and link your work in a meaningful way to relevant artists, genres and cultures.

Component 2 - Externally Set Assignment (40%)

You will be given a choice of 8 different starting points by the examination board. In response you will complete a set of work which investigates one of the starting points. You should demonstrate greater maturity and depth of skills, knowledge and understanding. The task concludes with a 15 hour supervised exam where you will produce your final work.

Entry Requirements:

GCSE Art 5, Grade 6 Desirable

Where can Art take me?

• Art can take you on to a number of creative degrees, including Art Foundation, Architecture, Fashion, Stage or Graphic Design. Careers in the creative field are far reaching, from marketing, design and advertising, but many students used the points gained at A Level to take them on to various degrees, from Law to Business!

Assessment

If you have any questions or queries relating to the Art curriculum please email headofart@ecclesbourne.derbyshire.sch.uk for more information.