Course Overview
Section A: Visual Analysis
Learn how to decode painting, sculpture, and architecture from Classical Greece to the present day.
Develop precise visual analysis skills, mastering the language of art history and exploring how artistic style, material, and form communicate meaning.
Section B: Themes) Identities & War
Examine two powerful, recurring themes in art:
Identities : gender, race, nationality, rebellion, and representation
War: conflict, commemoration, revolution, and trauma
You’ll explore global perspectives, analysing works from across Europe and beyond —-from Islamic mosques to Hindu temples – discovering how art reflects religion, politics, and power.
Section C: Historical Periods) The Avant-Garde in Britain and France (1848–1899) and Modernism in Europe (1900–1939).
Delve into two revolutionary eras that transformed artistic expression:
Rebellion and Revival (1848–1899) – The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, Impressionism, Realism, and early photography
Brave New World (1900–1939) – Modernism, Surrealism, and Dada
You’ll study key artists, movements, and critics such as Ruskin, Baudelaire, Hegel, and Apollinaire, understanding how art both challenged and captured the spirit of modernity.
Assessment
• Two written exams (3 hours each)
• No coursework component
• Equal weighting between visual analysis, thematic study, and period-based essay questions
Skills You’ll Develop
• Expert visual and contextual analysis
• Logical argument and persuasive writing
• Independent research and academic rigour
• Interdisciplinary thinking – connecting art with history, philosophy, and culture
• Confident oral communication and debate
These transferable skills make History of Art an ideal foundation for university study in humanities and beyond.
Enrichment Opportunities
- A residential trip to Paris in the Michaelmas Term, including visits to the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Pompidou Centre, and Musée Rodin
- Guest lectures by leading art historians such as Andrew Graham-Dixon, Dr James Fox, and Dr Janina Ramirez
- The student-led Art History Society, offering talks, discussions, and debates
Requirements
• Grade 7 or above in GCSE English Language or English Literature
• A willingness to read widely, visit galleries and museums, and engage critically with visual culture
Future Pathways
History of Art is highly regarded by universities and employers alike. OWs have gone on to study at:
University of Cambridge, The Courtauld Institute of Art, UCL, Edinburgh, York, Leeds, and Bristol.
The subject opens doors to diverse careers in:
Museums and Galleries, Architecture and Design, Journalism and Media, Marketing and Advertising , Academia and Research, Heritage and Conservation, Creative Industries