Curriculum

Curriculum Roadmap

Topics

Students will develop integrated knowledge, skills and understanding of the following, through an introductory project and an in-depth individual personal project:

• Fine art requires engagement with aesthetic and intellectual concepts through the use of traditional and/or digital media, materials, techniques and processes for the purpose of self-expression, free of external constraints.
• Fine art may be created to communicate ideas and messages about the observed world, the qualities of materials, perceptions, or preconceptions.
• It can also be used to explore personal and cultural identity, society and how we live, visual language, and technology.
• Fine art allows us to consider and reflect on our place in the world, both as individuals and collectively.

Skills and requirements

Subject entry requirements

• Grade 5 in GCSE Art & Design

Sixth Form entry requirements

• 4 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 or more grade 7s or above including English and maths (grade 5 or above).
• 3 A-levels over 2 years: for students who have achieved 5 grade 5s or above including English and maths.
• Level 3 vocational courses: for students who have achieved 5 grade 4s or above including English and maths.

Key concepts

Understanding art

• Aesthetics and value of art.
• Looking at art.

Knowing art

• Art movements and styles.
• Art in context.
• Meaning in art.
• Art communicates.

Creating art

• Formal elements
• Mark-making
• Taking risks and experimenting
• Realising intentions

Skills learned

Students learn how to:

• Record experiences and observations (drawing/ photography).
• Analyze, discuss and evaluate images
• Use knowledge and understanding of the work of others to inform their own work.
• Generate and explore potential lines of enquiry using appropriate media and techniques
• Apply knowledge and understanding in making images and artefacts.
• Review and modify work, and plan and develop ideas in the light of their own and others’ evaluations.
• Organise, select and communicate ideas, solutions and responses, and present them in a range of visual, tactile and / or sensory forms.

Beyond the Classroom

Future pathways

A-level art & design is a much sought-after qualification for entry to a variety of full-time courses in higher education. It will also gain you access to a wider choice of courses after Sixth Form.

Students can progress from this qualification to:

• Further education courses such as the BTEC level 3 foundation diploma in art and design (QCF).
• Higher education courses such as BTEC higher national diplomas in art and design subjects, or direct to a BA honours degree with an art and design focus.
• Apprenticeships or other training.
• Employment in a related sector.

Degrees for which it is strongly recommended include: fine art, graphics, architecture, product design and fashion design.