History of Art and Architecture A Level @ New College Swindon

A Level History of Art and Architecture “History of Art and Architecture was my favourite subject at New College as I was able to study the history and the context of individual time periods that were relevant to the artwork�.

Dan (AS History of Art and Architecture Student)

Michelangelo. David. 1504. High Renaissance.

Is A Level History of Art and Architecture for me?

Have you ever visited a town, city, or an art gallery, and felt an urge to find out more? Have you ever looked at a building and wondered how it was constructed? Have you ever you looked at an older building and wondered what each individual part is called? If you said yes to any of these questions then this is the perfect course for you! If you are the type of student who has an inquisitive mind and enjoys discovering information then this is a perfect subject for you.

Remember, you do not need to have participated in any art subject at GCSE to study this subject. The course tests your ability to analyse a painting, a sculpture or a building and make an informed opinion on why it looks the way it does.

Why should I study History of Art and Architecture at New College?

New College Swindon has been the only FE College in the country where you can study this subject. It is popular in the private education sector so our students are pleased to study this subject in an FE environment and not have to pay private education fees. We achieve excellent results. For five years New College students achieved a 100% pass rate at AS. In 2014, the A2 students achieved a 100% pass rate. In 2010, New College also formed a unique link with The Courtauld Institute, a prestigious Gallery and University in London, and we hold exclusive workshops with them for our students. In Feb 2015 our students will attend a conservation workshop in the Courtauld and use X-Rays to discover how paintings are made.

What are A Level History of Art and Architecture lessons like?

In lessons you will analyse paintings, sculptures and buildings in groups and on your own. Each week we look at a new period and you will learn new subject specific terminology and vocabulary that relates to the work, such as chiaroscuro, a term used to describe paintings with intense light and dark areas. You will then find out why the building or artwork has been made and place that work into its relevant time period. You will not spend too much time note taking as the information you need is available to you on the New College Virtual Learning Environment. You can access the information at any time!

Where do your students study this course at HE level?

We have had a number of students attend prestigious Universities across the country to study the subject further. These include; University of Cambridge, University of Norwich, University of Bristol, University of York, University of Roehampton, University of Warwick, University of Reading, Goldsmiths University and Plymouth University. You will have full support throughout the UCAS application.

Possible careers from studying History of Art and Architecture A Degree in the Humanities sector involves extensive analysis and the synthesis of detailed contextual information to forge an informed and accurate opinion. From HE you could progress on to the following professions‌.Teaching, Lecturer, Arts Administrator, Auctioneer, Arts Conservator, Art History Tour Lecturer, Freelance Art Historian, Archivist, Art Librarian, Image Librarian/Visual Resources Creator, Museums Communications Officer, Curator, Decorative Arts Curator, Commercial Gallery owner, Events Manager, Museum Registrar, Museum Retail, Postdoctoral Funding Opportunities, Postdoctoral Research Fellowships.

This is a great course as it explores all aspects of art.

It’s amazing how influential the older art and architecture is to contemporary art”.

“I learned new terminology which improved my analysis of art for my other art based subjects.”

Kim (A2 History of Art and Architecture Student)

Sara (A2 History of Art and Architecture Student)

Modernism Le Corbusier Villa Savoye Marc Quinn

1928

Self 1991

Classical Architecture

Post Modernism

The Parthenon

You will cover all the major styles and movements in art and architecture from 2000BC to the present day.

These examples are just some of the work that you will study in your first year.

447-432BC

The Northern Renaissance Bosch

Gothic Architecture

The Garden of Earthly Delights

Westminster Abbey

1504

1245

“I now understand the specialist language of architecture and I know what a caryatid is!”

Jess (AS History of Art and Architecture Student)

Realism Rodin The Burghers of Calais 1895

“this course really helped me understand art and architecture and assisted in my understanding of art for my other A Levels.”

Rob (AS History of Art and Architecture Student)

Frequently Asked Questions What GCSEs do I need to study to do the course?

Like most other A levels at New College, we require you to have four Grade Cs at GCSE. The important thing is that you do not need to have studied any art subject or History of Art at GCSE. In fact all of our AS students have never studied the History of Art before and after studying this A level went on to study the subject at Degree Level. You will develop skills in preparation for University and beyond.

How will I be assessed?

Your AS Grade is made up of two exams which take place in May. Over the year there are regular assessments to check that you are making good progress. This includes regular timed essays, end of unit tests, and weekly multiple choice tests.

What historical periods will I study?

You will study the full range of periods in Western European History, including; the art and architecture of Ancient Greece and Rome; the art and architecture of the Renaissance in Italy and beyond; the art produced by the British Monarchs including the Tudors and the Stuarts; the enlightenment of the 18th century; the revolutions of Europe in the 18th and 19th century; the art produced during the two World Wars; the art and architecture of America and New York; the post-modern art and architecture of Britain and America up to the present day. The subject develops your understanding of Western Civilisation and beyond.

What other A Levels go with History of Art and Architecture?

The course can be combined with any other subject at New College. We find it goes really well with any of the coursework based art subjects as this course involves no coursework, and it will improve your knowledge and understanding of all forms of art. It also compliments Philosophy, English, History, Religious Studies, Sociology and Classical Civilisation.

Any other costs?

The course is excellent value for money as all of the resources that we use are available on the College Virtual Learning Environment. You can access these in the lessons via I Pods, I Pads, tablets and PCs that are provided by the department. These resources can be saved and are available 24/7 at home. We also attend several trips, including regular visits to London and abroad to view the work and architecture in situ to aid understanding. In April 2015 some of our students will

visit Rome to study the art and architecture!

How can I find out more?

If you have any questions then please email russell.maggs@newcollege.ac.uk

“I had never taken an art subject at GCSE, but my choice of the History of Art at New College inspired me to study the subject further at University.�

Rosario (A2 History of Art and Architecture student)