The Course Structure
This popular and dynamic two-year course enables pupils to develop their skills in a wide range of media. There is much emphasis on experimentation and discussion of ideas, underpinned by drawing from observation. Weekly life-drawing classes teach students to engage with essential elements of composition, proportion, spatial awareness and three-dimensional form.
Throughout the course pupils will learn to contextualise their own work through studying the methodologies and practice of other artists. There are frequent visits to galleries and museums, both locally and internationally.
Component 1: Personal Investigation This component is weighted 60% of the total qualification and incorporates three major elements: Supporting studies, Practical work and a Personal study, a minimum of 1000 words of continuous prose.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment This component is weighted 40% of the total qualification. This component incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and the 15–hour period of sustained focus. The Externally Set Assignment represents the culmination of the qualification allowing students to draw together all the knowledge, understanding and skills developed.
Requirements
A – Level builds on the skills and understanding acquired at GCSE. Those who have previously studied one of the Art endorsements at GCSE often find themselves more confident with materials and techniques and understand the sustained demands of coursework which can make the transition smoother. An enthusiasm to extend one’s knowledge and a preparedness to work will assist the progress of candidates opting for this course.
Photography
Photography has been used by practitioners to record, document and present examples of everyday life, in ordinary and extraordinary circumstances. It has also been used as the vehicle for artistic expression, communicating personal ideas about the world around us. It is used to convey personal identity more widely than any other art form, is applied in the creative process across art, craft and design and is widely used in social, commercial and scientific contexts. For the purposes of this qualification, photography is sub-divided into the following three disciplines: film-based photography, digital photography, film and video.