Art

Art and Design: Fine Art (AQA)

In Year 12, Students will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of fine art media, processes and techniques. They will be made aware of both traditional and new media.

Students will explore the use of drawing for different purposes, using a variety of methods and media on a variety of scales.

Continuing to build on the experiences, skills and techniques provided, in Year 13 students will begin to direct the focus of their study towards their own personal interests within Fine Art.

This will include research into themes and artists of interest, followed by individuals making a personal response in the form of any valid Fine Art outcome.

Gallery visits and the study of contemporary and traditional Fine Artists are central to the course.

Course Content & Assessment

Component 1 (60%)

Personal Investigation

This is a practical investigation supported by written material of between 1000-3000 words.

Students are required to conduct a practical investigation, into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material.

The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.

The investigation should be a coherent, in-depth study that demonstrates the student’s ability to construct and develop a sustained line of reasoning from an initial starting point to a final realisation.

Component 2 (40%)

Externally Set Task

This unit is set by the examination board. You will get a choice from several questions and be expected to respond to one.

You have several weeks for your investigation which is very important and should be thorough, as the assessment will focus on this to a great extent.

The timed and supervised section is 15 hours.

Teaching

The teaching will build on GCSE experiences. Techniques will be taught and approaches discussed. The teacher will guide each individual to work to their strengths and develop areas of weakness.

You will be asked to thoroughly research and investigate your chosen area of study. The expectation is that much of this investigation will be conducted out of school hours. Peer review and self-assessment will be used as an aid to learning. Students are encouraged to use department space, resources and facilities during independent study time.

Your Future

The visual arts contribute towards making the world a better place to be. To be able to comment on and have a better understanding of the visual world is reward in itself.

For others the career opportunities in this field are extensive. Almost everything you see, use, read and touch that is man-made has been created by artists and designers.

A wide range of degree courses are available to Art and Design students, including Fine Art, Textile Design, Illustration and Graphic Design, Fashion, Animation, Theatre Design, Jewellery Design, New Media, Architecture, Interior Design and Photography. ‘A’ level art is recognised as a high standard by universities and colleges as a benchmark for career development.