History of Art

Edexcel

If you are interested in studying how world history, humanity, culture and social values have been expressed through the visual means of art, sculpture and architecture then you will love this course! History of Art A Level explores how and why the style of art and architecture changes over the centuries. This course will provide you with the skills to understand and confidently evaluate important works of global art from the ancient world to the present day. You will also learn about the fascinating lives and personalities of artists and how specific events affected their output. It complements a wide range of other A Level courses and can lead to a wealth of career opportunities and university courses. If you want to become an architect, journalist, art advisor or investor, gallery curator, film or television stylist or get into the wider business world that depends so heavily on visual literacy (such as advertising, fashion or travel) then this course is for you. The class will visit London galleries and a trip to a city of culture such as Rome or Florence is also organised every two years.

Requirements: The course is designed for students with no prior art historical knowledge but willing to gain plenty. A minimum of a 7 in both English Language and English Literature at GCSE is required. A 7 or above in History or Religious Studies at GCSE is also preferable. No practical art skills are necessary but an interest in the visual arts and culture is vital.

Paper 1: Written examination 50% of the qualification (110 marks)

Section A Visual Analysis Written exam to photographic reproductions (1 hour) This unit focuses on the visual analysis of art and architecture. It builds students’ architectural terminology and artistic vocabulary in order to evaluate works of art and architecture effectively.

Section B Themes Written exam to case studies (2 hours) War in art and architecture (1 hour) An expression of triumph or loss – our responses and attitudes to war are shaped by works that remember and either support or challenge the conflict. This theme covers the preparation, participation and responses to international and civil wars in works of 2D and 3D art and in architecture. Nature in art and architecture (1 hour) A source of inspiration, a symbol of belonging or as an ideal of perfection, the natural world has always played a vital part in shaping our art and architecture. This theme covers the ways in which the motifs, messages and materials of nature have been used across time and place.

Paper 2: Written Examination 50% of the qualification (110 marks)

Section 1 Invention and illusion: the Renaissance in Italy (1420-1520) Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes) Beginning with the innovative challenges of Masaccio in Florence, students can explore the cultural contexts of the Renaissance through, among others, the work of Donatello, Brunelleschi, Bellini and Michelangelo. Students must consider the impact of different styles, materials and techniques of the time as well as exploring and evaluating the impact of the regional historical events, philosophical developments and the changing status of artists.

Section 2 Rebellion and revival: the British and French Avant-Garde (1848-99) Written exam (1 hour 30 minutes) This option offers students the opportunity to explore the works of the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists as well as those of the Victorian, Pre-Raphaelite and Art Nouveau movements in Britain and France. Students will look closely at the profound social, political and technological changes of this era and explore and evaluate their impact on artists and their art.

Miss Hayat makes every single lesson mesmerising! The subject is interdisciplinary and relevant to our society today. Miss Hayat is so much fun and very reassuring, she always made time for me whenever

I needed it. Her resources are clear, detailed, stunningly presented and I felt confident using them to revise. I am so glad I took this subject at A Level to continue it at university! Felicity