Art & Design
Studying Fine Art at A Level is very rewarding. Students will have the opportunity to explore their own ideas and develop exciting outcomes. It is both an academic and creative subject. Students will need to be able to carry out extensive research, experiment, develop ideas, and present well-informed concepts and outcomes. Ideally, students should be able to demonstrate a proven passion for the subject.
Course content
The course is built around four Assessment Objectives: developing ideas through sustained, focused investigations informed by contextual sources; experimenting with and selecting appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes; recording ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions; and presenting a personal, informed and meaningful response. Lessons are divided between whole-class workshops, personal tutorials, group critiques and independent study, with personal weekly feedback and targets.
Entry requirements and skills
Students need to be organised, focused and passionate about art, with excellent drawing and visual language skills. They must be prepared to take risks and experiment with processes and ideas, show creativity and imagination, generate original concepts, work independently and act on feedback.
Assessment
Personal Investigation (Year 13): a practical body of work plus a written essay exploring the student's concept, worth 60% of final marks. Externally-Set Assignment: a response to an externally set theme, with preparatory studies developed from 1 February ahead of a 15-hour period of sustained focus under examination conditions (usually early May), worth 40% of final marks.
Enrichment
Students can supplement their study at one of our numerous Art Clubs, in scholarship sessions or an evening during daily Open Studio sessions after school. Our Open Studio and Saturday life drawing workshops encourage our A Level students to work independently and to complete their coursework and exam preparation.
We regularly invite established artists to the School to give talks and to run workshops, enabling students to appreciate and value images and artefacts across eras and cultures.
We run a number of trips to galleries each year, including the National Portrait Gallery and the V&A as well as the Tate Modern. Over the years, we have also run international trips to visit Florence, Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin and Venice.
Scholarships
Art Scholarships are awarded to candidates who demonstrate unique flair, competence and technique, particularly through creativity, imagination and strong observational skills. We expect Art Scholars to make a significant extracurricular commitment to the department.
Future pathways
Students leave with a strong portfolio, ready for an Art Foundation course or a creative degree in Fine Art, Fashion, Architecture or Product Design.
A Level Art FAQs
Are there formal entry requirements for A Level Art & Design?
There is no fixed grade threshold, but Art & Design is a demanding and time-consuming subject, so students should ideally demonstrate a proven passion for it, along with strong drawing and visual language skills and a willingness to experiment and act on feedback.
How is A Level Art & Design assessed?
Assessment is in two parts. The Personal Investigation, completed in Year 13, is a body of practical work with a written essay and is worth 60% of the final marks. The Externally-Set Assignment is worth 40% and culminates in a 15-hour period of sustained focus under examination conditions, usually in early May.
What enrichment opportunities are there in Art & Design?
Students can attend Art Clubs, scholarship sessions and after-school Open Studio sessions, take part in Saturday life drawing workshops, and join gallery trips to the National Portrait Gallery, V&A and Tate Modern. International trips have visited Florence, Barcelona, Madrid, Berlin and Venice, and visiting artists run talks and workshops.
What can A Level Art & Design lead to?
Students leave with a strong portfolio ready for an Art Foundation course or a creative degree in Fine Art, Fashion, Architecture or Product Design.
Are Art Scholarships available?
Yes. Art Scholarships are awarded to candidates who demonstrate flair, competence and technique through creativity, imagination and strong observational skills. Art Scholars are expected to make a significant extracurricular commitment to the department.