History of Art

Why study History of Art?

A Level History of Art provides a grand tour of two millennia of art and architecture across the continents and cultures of the globe, spanning the breadth of European, Middle-Eastern, Asian and African societies.

Course content

The course is structured in three core areas: visual analysis, thematic study, and the study of art- historical periods. Pupils study critical texts in relation to all components of the syllabus (except visual analysis), ranging from biographical to theoretical. These pieces of literature form a core ingredient of the assessment. • In the Visual Analysis component, pupils learn how to analyse European art and architecture from the Classical period to the present day, developing the skills and terminology required to describe works of art and architecture in accurate detail • In the Thematic component, pupils consider works of art and architecture from different parts of the globe from specific perspectives, comparing and contrasting different cultural approaches to two themes: ‘war’ and ‘identities’ • In the Art Historical component, pupils make a detailed study of a specific period in European and/or American art history, considering works in depth with regard to their social, philosophical, and cultural influences, and examining their role and influence in society. Two periods are chosen from a possible five: the Italian Renaissance (1420-1520); and British and American contemporary culture (1960-2015).

Good GCSEs in humanities subjects in which writing skills are acquired and examined, such as English Literature, Religious Studies, and History, is a significant advantage. Previous experience of visual culture – such as visiting art galleries, museums, and sites of architectural heritage – is also a great help.

Will I enjoy it?

History of Art is a humanities subject, so it requires many of the same skills as subjects such as English Literature, Religious Studies and History, along with the specific skills applicable to the study of visual culture. Enthusiasm to undertake close visual study of works of art and architecture is essential for the A Level. Pupils should also be able to read texts in a critical manner and be able to formulate their own arguments into clearly structured essays that are fluently expressed. Likewise, an enjoyment of the world of ideas and concepts is crucial to getting the best out of the A Level. A strong interest in and appreciation of visual culture, in all its diverse forms across the globe, is an essential ingredient for success and enjoyment of this A Level.

What else should I consider?

Taught at Oxford, Cambridge, Edinburgh and many of the Russell Group Universities, those students who have studied A Level History of Art are very well prepared for an undergraduate degree in the subject. A Level History of Art also facilitates entry into other humanities undergraduate degrees including Classics, English Literature, History, Theology, and Philosophy.

Assessment

Examination board: Edexcel Specification Code: 9HT0

Assessment is via two three-hour written exams. There is no coursework component, but part of the exam requires pupils to comment on works of previously unseen art and writing.

Who can give me more information? Mr Casely

j.casely@sherborne.com