Art

Removes and Fifths - GCSE

AQA: 3202

The course requires between 2 and 4 units of coursework and a ten hour, externally set, terminal test. The Department aims to provide a variety of experiences in different media, which can include drawing, painting, print-making, digital photography and three-dimensional work. The assessment criteria require pupils to use a sketchbook or work journal and to look at the work of artists both now and in the past; visits to exhibitions and art galleries are thus an integral part of the course. The Department is committed to working from observation and drawing skills are therefore very important. It is a Departmental requirement that pupils attend Studio for a minimum of 1½ hours per week, in addition to normal classes. Some work will be set for each holiday.

P Monkman

Specialists - Cambridge Pre-U

GCSE Requirements

Pupils are expected to have taken Art at GCSE level.

Outline of the course

The Pre-U course in Fine Art aims at higher levels than traditional A levels and equips candidates with the skills to make a success of their subsequent studies at university and art college. The syllabus encourages candidates to develop:

Abilities imaginatively, creatively, intellectually and innovatively;
Analytically, investigative, experimental, technical and expressive skills;
Confidence, initiative and aesthetic awareness and the ability to make critical judgments;
An understanding of the role of Art and Design over time and in a cultural context, to apply that understanding to a contemporary context and to utilise that knowledge and understanding to inform their own visual experience.

The course encompasses varied and diverse approaches including: painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture including ceramics, fine art textiles, mixed-media, installation, photography, site specific work, digital film and video.

First Year

The first year acts as a foundation year where the candidate builds up a portfolio that demonstrates an in-depth personal series of explorations within the chosen areas of study. There will be perceptive recording, analysis and collation of observations and insights and extensive experimentation with ideas, concepts, materials and processes.

There will also be investigations into the practice of other related artists within a broader cultural/political and personal context. Drawing from life will help develop skills and ways of looking. The portfolio consists of 10 sheets of selected work or equivalent and will be marked internally. Sketchbooks will be used throughout.

Second Year

The candidate will produce 2 main projects:

An individual study based on visits to art galleries and museums will be written, exploring a relevant area of interest. It will be at least 1000 words with visual analysis and links to practical research.
The coursework project is based on an externally set brief which will form a focused, informed and personal investigation using techniques and ideas to create a successful artwork which is assessed externally.

All pupils will have the opportunity to visit museums and galleries including a trip to New York.

University courses

The Department has a reputation for high standards and pupils have regularly obtained places on Higher Education courses in Art & Design, Architecture and History of Art. Art is also acceptable for entrance to other university courses but may not be accepted as one of three academic subjects for some of the more competitive degree courses. An Art Foundation course is recommended for most pupils who want to continue with Art and Design beyond school.

Minor Subject

AQA AS level

Pupils will produce practical and contextual work in one or more areas including: painting, drawing, mixed-media, sculpture, land art, installation, printmaking, film, animation, television, video and photography.

Each pupil will produce a collection of materials which exemplifies work carried out at AS level. This will be carefully presented as a portfolio which will demonstrate a development of personal ideas and the exploration of materials and techniques. The work will also be linked to artists’ works. Exhibitions will be visited and pupils will be expected to write critical reviews and relate the ideas and contexts to their practical work. There is no restriction on the size of the work produced. The work is marked as a whole by the centre.