A Level Art

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Study Mode: Full Time Programme Component Course Level: 3

This A Level will develop your creative potential, improve your understanding of visual communication and prepare you for your future as one of the next generation of artists.

You will learn a wide range of drawing, painting, printmaking and textile art techiques and processes and explore a wide range of practical media and technical methods, as well as a variety of theoretical ideas that are central to art and design in its contemporary context.

The course provides an intensive and realistic experience in a range of specialist areas and is organised in such a way that you are encouraged to build upon your previous experience while developing new skills, knowledge and understanding of your personal practice.

You will learn in our dedicated visual studies, printmaking and textile studios, take part in practical workshops, lectures, debates, gallery visits and independent research, and develop skills and experience in a number of specialist techniques and approaches.

Course tutors are active in the art and design industry and you will benefit from their wealth of industry knowledge and experience, as well as get advice and insights on working in the sector from a range of visiting speakers.

As part of the National Skills Academy for Creative and Culture we pride ourselves as being at the forefront of education and training for the ever-changing art and design industry and you will not only gain a qualification but also experience in your chosen career.

Arts Council England has endorsed the quality of our teaching and learning and links with employers by awarding us 'Arts Mark Gold'.

Please note - when applying for any A level on our website, this submits your application for the full A level programme. You only need to apply for one subject - your other subject choices will be discussed at interview.

To access this course you are required to have:

Five or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English, Maths and Art
Successfully complete a trade test
The required QoE score

During this course you will have the opportunity to study within fine art and develop:

Appreciation of different approaches to recording images, such as observation, analysis, expression and imagination
Awareness of intended audience or purpose for chosen areas of fine art
Understanding of the conventions of figurative/representational and abstract/non-representational imagery or genres
Appreciation of different ways of working, such as underpainting, glazing, carving, constructing, wash and impasto modelling.
Assembling and welding, etching, engraving, dry point, mono printing, lino printing, screen printing, photo silkscreen and lithography
Understanding of pictorial space, composition, rhythm, scale and structure
Appreciation of colour, line, tone, texture, shape and form

By studying this course you will develop practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding of:

Relevant materials, processes, technologies and resources
How ideas, feelings and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and artefacts
How images and artefacts relate to the time and place in which they were made and to their social and cultural contexts
Continuity and change in different genres, styles and traditions
A working vocabulary and specialist terminology

You will also develop the skills to:

Record experiences and observations, in a variety of ways using drawing or other appropriate visual forms; undertake research; and gather, select and organize visual and other appropriate information
Explore relevant resources; analyse, discuss and evaluate images, objects and artefacts; and make and record more independent judgements
Use knowledge and the understanding of the work of others to develop and extend thinking and inform 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

You will be assessed by two exams and two coursework portfolios

The skills you will learn from this course will enable you to:

Pursue a career in a range of areas including teaching, creative industries and design.
Progress on to higher education qualification at college or university (subject to relevant entry criteria)
Apply for an apprenticeship