Art & Design

Which Subjects for University?

It is important that you choose a set of subjects that is going to give you a good foundation for further study and/or your career. It is often hard to know which A levels universities ‘like’, especially very competitive universities. There are often stori es about so -called ‘soft’ A leve ls and secret ‘banned’ lists of subjects that universities do not like. This is generally not true, with the exception of A Level General Studies, which many universities do not accept (and which is not offered at Ashford School).

Good universities like to see applications from students who have taken one 'core' A level needed for the course, plus another good academic subject that complements the first and may or may not be ‘core’ (e.g. Mathematics and Physics, History and English). Universities tend to be less prescriptive about the third (and maybe fourth) subject taken, although the top universities will still require a good grade.

However, please note that for those students looking to study a science degree, many of the top universities would pref er three science/maths A levels. The most common combinations are: Chemistry/Biology/Mathematics for many of the most competitive biological science, biotechnology, medicine and biomedical courses; Mathematics/Further Mathematics/Physics for physical scien ce and engineering degrees (please note that some of the most competitive universities would like to see students with Maths and Further Maths taking four A Levels overall). Good universities do not like applicants to have studied A levels that cover commo n ground (e.g. Geography and Environmental Studies, or Media Studies and Film Studies). They also prefer subject combinations with at least one or two ‘core’ academic subjects. Thus: • History, English, French – great combination • History, English, Sociology – good combination • History, Media Studies, Sociology – OK combination • Sociology, Politics, Media Studies – not a good combination, even if you are applying for a Politics degree

The following webpage from the Russell Group of UK universities discusses the benefits of facilitating subjects: www.informedchoices.ac.uk/

It is important to understand the terminology that universities use when they talk about required and recommended A Level subjects: • ‘Requi red’ means that a subject is essential – your application will not be considered if you have not taken this A Level. • ‘Recommended’ means that while the subject is not absolutely necessary, if it is possible to take it, you are recommended to do so. Having this subject is likely to help your application. • ‘May be helpful’ means that having studied this subject might be a help when you start the degree, but not having taken it will not affect your chance of a university place.

Requirements do vary between un iversities and courses, so you should always check first. These are common degree subjects that have required 'core' A level(s): • Medicine/Dentistry/Veterinary Science – Chemistry, plus at least one other science. Bio logy is normally also required.

Engine ering – Mathematics and Physics (or Mathematics and Chemistry for Chemical Engineering). Further Mathematics recommended for the top universities. Modern Languages – usually require an A Level in the language. Science s – usually require the A Level subject , e.g. Physics for Physics, Chemistry for Chemistry. However, it is possible to do some Biology courses with only Chemistry A Level. For Physics and Chemistry courses, Maths is often required or recommended (with Furt her Maths recommended for Physics at th e top universities).

Please check the university websites for any courses that interest you, or speak to Dr Dickers for advice.

In summary

Check the ‘core’ academic subject(s) required/recommended for university courses. Complement this with at least one other good academic subject. Choose subjects that do not overlap too much.

For more information: o Look at university websites. o Use prospectuses and books from the careers library. o Speak to the Head of Careers. o Speak to Mrs Miller

Art & Design Head of Department: Mrs Rayner, raynern@ashfordschool.co.uk

Why study Art & Design?

The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of the nature of visual thinking and its appropriate language and its po tential in 21 stcentury creativity. As such, Art and Design is widely recognised as valuable preparation if you are considering a career in the creative industries (e.g. Fine Art, Architectur e, Textile Design, or Game Art Design). It will also enrich your appreciation of the world around you. The course includes painting, sculpture, photography and textiles but you will also have the opportunity to explore new media processes such as video, di gital photography and sound manipulation using industry standard software.

Course Description

In Year 12 you will explore a variety of materials in two and three dimensions with three specialist teachers.The following list may be revised to ensure we are COVID compliant. These include oil, acrylic and watercolour painting, various printmaking techniques, textile mixed media, digital and darkroom photography, sculpture in various materials and scales, and ceramic construction, firing and glazing.

InYear 13 you will build upon the skills that you have learned in Year 12 to research, plan and develop a unit of coursework which will be assessed at the end of the academic year. In this time you will produce final pieces in at least two of the specialism s explored in Year 12. This is generally a 2D and a 3D piece. Youwill also produce a Personal Study which is an academic essay of between 1 000 and 3000 words based upon your chosen area of study.

In February of year 13 you will receive your examination q uestion paper which you will use as the basis for your second uni t of work for a 15hour exam set over 2 or 3 days. The exam is approximately 8 weeks after receipt of the exam paper.

During your course you will be advised on how to build a portfolio of artwork suitable for entry to a one year pre -degree Foundation D iploma course in Art and Design or a University Degree.

Beyond A l evel

The degree courses and careers associated with t he Art and Design A level are substantial and varied. A selected list would include fine art, printmaking, sculpture, architecture, i nterior architecture, environmental and interior design, art history, animation, games design, game art(computer games), alternative media, scenography, industrial design, theatre design, graphic design, product design, constructed textiles, dyed textiles, printed textiles, fine art textiles, fashion, film -based photography, digital photography, film and video production, med ia and advertising, illustration, typography, installation and interactive media. Students are free to develop their own interests wi thin this course.

Preferred Entry Requirements

The best foundation for success in Art and Design is a Grade 6 minimum in an Art or Design related course with developed drawing skills. However, this does not prevent interested students applying for the course provided they are willing to sit an intensive drawing test. They will also need to supply a portfolio of recent work in a variety of materials.

Technical Details

Exam Board AQA

Qualification Type A level

Course TitleArt, Craft and Design, ART A

Specification Code 7201

Number Duration Weighting (% of total A level) External Exams 1 15hrs 40% (end of Year 13)(over 2 or 3 days) Coursework - During Year 12 & 13 60%