Visual Arts

Graphic Communication A Level Photography A Level Textiles A Level

visual arts

Fine Art A Level

Fine Art A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

For how long will I study?

For two years.

What is this course about?

A Level Fine Art offers opportunities to use your creativity to express yourself and record the world in which you live. You will develop your understanding of creative processes, your ability to observe and think, to solve problems and communicate in a visual, verbal, and written way. It will enable you to work independently and to make your own discoveries by exploring ideas, other artists’ work and different materials and techniques.

• Installation • Printmaking • Moving image (animation, film and video)

Drawing and other materials processes.

Drawing in fine art forms an essential part of the development process from initial idea to finished work; from rough sketches, to diagrams setting out compositions.

Students should use a variety of tools, materials and techniques, as appropriate, for recording their surroundings and source materials.

Contextual understanding and professional practice.

Studying A Level Fine Art gives you the skills and knowledge to create personal and imaginative work. If you have an adventurous, creative and enquiring mind and are excited by shaping and determining the visual world around us, there is a career opportunity waiting for you.

Students should incorporate contextual investigation and translation as inspirational starting points for their development work.

They will consider the work of others and use understanding gained to inform the progression of their own personal creativity.

What topics will I study?

Fine Art course content.

• Drawing • Painting • Mixed-media (including collage and assemblage) • Sculpture

When undertaking work in fine art, students will be required to engage with: • A range of materials and tools for making fine art, including, where appropriate, digital media.

• Ways in which ideas and

• •

• • •

feelings can be communicated effectively through the organisation of materials and the formal elements.

Concepts such as figuration, representation and abstraction.

Various forms of presentation, and the ways that audiences may respond to or interact with them.

The appropriate application of their chosen media and the ability to realise ideas through the techniques employed.

Historical and contemporary themes and sources within the context of the chosen disciplines.

How will my work be assessed?

There are two parts to the A Level.

At A Level for component 1 you will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme. This will consist of a portfolio of work supported by written material. This will count for 60% of your total A Level mark.

In component 2 you will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points which count for 40% of your total mark.

Your work will be assessed by your teacher throughout the year with written and verbal feedback given.

At the end of the course both components are internally marked and externally moderated. All work is assessed with reference to the four exam board criteria:

• Develop ideas • Explore media • Research, record, analyse, review

• Present outcomes You may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of your first year as a measure of your progress.

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

A general interest in the arts is essential and in particular, an interest in Fine Art .

A creative open minded approach to using fine art materials and techniques, and drawing from observation.

The subject is mainly coursework based so good time management is also essential.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

You need to develop good practical skills in a range of materials and techniques You need to learn to be enquiring and analytical when looking at the work of other artists and making connections to your own work.

You will need to identify and explore the ideas that inform your artwork.

me keep organised, but it’s usually quite fun and I can do it in my own way.”

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C, including Art and Design. Students who do not have Art and Design GCSE will be invited to college to do a short practical task before being accepted on the course.

“You can always ask the teacher for advice and get individual help in class.”

What are the lessons like?

A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course.

Group briefings, slide shows, practical demonstrations, visits to galleries, research tasks, discussions, group and individual critiques.

For much of the course you are working on individual, practical, or research based tasks. 1:1 support is available to all students.

What do students say about this course?

“Although we started off from the same theme, everyone ended up with totally different work by the end of the project.”

“I am really pleased with how my skills and ideas have grown over the course and I want to go on to study further at Art College after my A levels.”

“The work in class and for homework is structured which helps

What have I got to do in order to do well?

Be creative and inventive with art materials and techniques.

Manage time efficiently to complete all practical and research tasks on time.

Learn by exploring the work of other artists.

Keep your eyes open for inspiring visual sources at all times.

Be prepared and equipped for all lessons.

Are there similar qualifications to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

There are four Visual Arts subjects: Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textiles and Photography. Each follows the same specification and requires the development of a creative approach but a range of different techniques are learnt in each subject. There are different entry requirements.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Fine Art is a great companion to all other subjects as creativity, imagination and problem solving skills can give you great ideas for your other subjects, and be transferrable skills that are looked upon favourably by universities and employers.

What do people do with A Level Fine Art? Many students go on to an Art Foundation course. This is a general diagnostic year that allows students to try all Art and Design specialisms before going on to an higher education course. Some universities will accept students on to a Fine Art degree with A Levels and a portfolio, but many prefer students to complete the Foundation year.

Possible degree options • 2D and 3D animation • 3D design • Applied arts • Architecture • Art history • Art therapy • Ceramics • Digital media • Fine art painting • Fine art printmaking • Fine art sculpture • Game design • Illustration • Interior architecture and design • Visual communication • Visual effects for film and

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

television Possible career options Architect Art technician Art therapist Art valuer Artist in residence Arts administrator Community arts worker Illustrator Lecturer Multimedia artist Mural artist Museum/gallery curator Painter Printmaker Sculptor Teacher

Graphic Communication A Level

When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

For how long will I study?

For two years.

What is this course about?

Graphic communication conveys information and ideas through visual means. The critical element for a graphic designer is the effective communication of a message or idea through the organisation of images and words. Graphic designers need to understand user and audience needs and how they respond to various forms of visual communication.

What topics will I study?

Graphic Communication course content.

• Advertising • Communication Graphics • Design for print • Digital Design • Illustration • Multimedia • Packaging design • Product Identity • Typography

Drawing and other materials processes: Drawing in the context of graphic communication forms an essential part of the development process from initial idea to finished product; from rough sketches to diagrams setting out designs, including digital drawings. Students should use a variety of tools and materials, as appropriate, for recording their surroundings and source materials.

Contextual understanding and professional practice: Students should incorporate contextual investigation and translation as inspirational starting points for their development work.

They will consider the work of others and use understanding gained to inform the progression of their own personal creativity.

When undertaking work in graphic communication, students will be required to engage with: • A range of materials and tools for graphic communication, including, where appropriate, digital media.

• Ways in which information and ideas can be effectively communicated through an organisation of images

and words.

• How audiences may respond to

• •

the use of words, images and formal elements, with particular reference to colour, shape and composition.

The basic typographical and layout requirements for digital and print-based products.

Historical and contemporary themes and sources.

How will my work be assessed?

At A Level for component 1 you will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme. This will consist of a portfolio of work supported by written material. This will count for 60% of your total A Level mark.

In component 2 you will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points which counts for 40% of your total mark.

Your work will be assessed by your teacher throughout the year with written and verbal feedback given.

At the end of the course both components are internally marked and externally moderated.

All work is assessed with reference to the four exam board set criteria: • Develop ideas • Explore media • Research, record, analyse, review • Present outcomes.

You may be assessed for an AS

qualification in this course at the end of your first year as a measure of your progress.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

You will need to develop good practical skills in terms of gathering visual sources and using graphic communication techniques and processes.

You will need to learn to be enquiring and analytical when looking at the work of other designers and illustrators, and making connections to your own work.

The course will introduce new techniques and processes assuming you have not used them before. If you have previous knowledge you will be able to build on it, extending your skills and ideas.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*- C, including Art and Design or Graphics. Students who do not have Art and Design or Graphics GCSE will be invited to college to do a short practical task before being accepted on the course.

What are the lessons like?

A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course.

Group briefings, slide shows, practical demonstrations, research tasks, discussions, group and

individual critiques.

For much of the course you are working on individual, practical projects. Mac based ICT or research based tasks also occur on the course.

1:1 support is available to all students.

move on creatively.

What do students say about this course?

“The course is very art based, it is different from Design Technology GCSE but very challenging and satisfying.”

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

There are four Visual Arts subjects: Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textiles and Photography. Each follows the same specification and requires the development of a creative approach but a range of different techniques are learnt in each subject. There are different entry requirements.

“I am pleasantly surprised at the way my work has changed and intend to study Graphic Design at a higher level when I finish my A Levels.”

“We are frequently given individual advice on the development of practical ideas and introduced to inspiring sources.”

“Doing my independent study when it is set has helped me to keep up to date on the course.”

What have I got to do in order to do well?

Be creative and inventive with a variety of materials and techniques.

Manage time efficiently to complete all practical and research tasks.

Learn by exploring the work and ideas of other artists, designers and illustrators.

Be prepared and equipped for all lessons.

Record feedback and act upon it to

Record Primary Research from Life.

Keep up to date with design magazines such as ‘Aesthetica’ and ‘EYE’.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Graphic Communication is a great companion to all other subjects as creativity, imagination and problem solving skills can give you great ideas for your other subjects, and be transferable skills that are looked upon favourably by universities and employers What do people do with A Level Graphic Communication?

Many students go on to an Art Foundation course. This is a general diagnostic year that allows students to try all Art and Design specialisms before going on to an higher education course. Some universities will accept students onto a Design degree with A levels and a portfolio,

but many prefer students to complete the Foundation year.

Possible degree options: • Animation • Digital arts • Graphic communication • Graphic design • Graphic and communication design • Media design • Illustration • Printmaking • Packaging design • Typographic design • Possible career options Studying a graphic communication related degree at university will give you all sorts of exciting career opportunities including: • Advertising • Animator • Designer for film and television • Exhibition designer • Illustrator • Interior and spatial design • Marketing • Publishing • Production designer • Scientific or medical illustrator • Studio manager • Teacher • Typographer • Web and app designer

Photography A Level

When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

For how long will I study?

For two years.

What is this course about?

The A level course offers students the opportunity to learn about the history of photography, its techniques and processes and how to apply an understanding of visual language and the formal elements.

We want students to experience the magic of the darkroom as well as the wonders of digital processing when they are “drawing with light”. This will support our students in learning how to develop a sophisticated body of work in the 2nd year.

What topics will I study?

Over the course of the two years, areas explored include: • Film-based photography • Digital photography / dark room • Moving image (Film, video, animation) • Multimedia • Studio Photography • Experimental imagery • Photographic installation • Students will be required to work in one or more of the disciplines to communicate their ideas.

Drawing and other materials processes The word photography could be taken to mean ‘a graphic representation with light’. In this way a photograph can take on the qualities of a drawing. In the context of this endorsed title, drawing forms an essential element of both development and final product.

A camera can record the observed world but is not able on its own to explore ideas.

Students must reflect on, refine and apply the observations they make with a camera, and determine which tools or techniques are most appropriate in their exploration of ideas.

Photography includes works in film, video, digital imaging and lightsensitive materials.

Contextual understanding and professional practice Students should incorporate contextual investigation and translation as inspirational starting points for their development work.

They will consider the work of others

and use understanding gained to inform the progression of their own personal creativity.

• Practical work • Personal study of a minimum

When undertaking work in photography, students will be required to engage with: • The operations and principles of creating a photographic image, including the use of available and controlled light, lenses, cameras and light-sensitive materials, including digital and non-digital.

• A range of materials used in photography, including print and screen-based materials.

• Ways in which ideas, feelings and information can be communicated effectively through photographic images.

• How the formal elements evoke responses in the viewer, with particular reference to tone, colour, shape and composition.

• The processes for production of digital and print-based photographs.

• Methods of presentation of photographic images.

• Historical and contemporary themes and sources within the context of the chosen disciplines.

Component 2 Externally Set Assignment The exam board set theme is distributed in February, you will have 8 weeks to investigate, develop and plan your response to a choice of themes. You then have 15 hours to produce a personal outcomes.

How will my work be assessed?

There are two parts to the A Level.

A general interest in various areas of photography and visual ideas is an advantage.

Component 1 Personal Investigation This component incorporates three major elements: • Supporting studies

1000 words of continuous prose.

Your work will be assessed by your teacher throughout the year with written and verbal feedback given.

At the end of the course both components are internally marked and externally moderated.

All work is assessed with reference to the four exam board set criteria.

• Develop ideas • Explore media • Research, record, analyse, review • Present outcomes.

You may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of your first year as a measure of your progress.

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

You must have the enthusiasm to go out on location and take photographs.

The subject is mainly coursework based so good time management is essential.

For much of the course you are working on individual, practical, ILT or research based tasks.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

You will need to develop good practical skills in taking and printing photographs, and be able to make informed visual judgements.

1:1 support is available to all students.

You will need to develop the ability to be enquiring and analytical when looking at the work of other photographers and make connections to your own work.

The course will introduce you to photographic techniques assuming that you have no previous experience or knowledge. This will allow you to start photography as a new subject, or build on an existing interest.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C. You will also be asked to bring evidence of your interest in photography to your enrolment interview.

What are the lessons like?

A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course.

Group briefings, slide shows, practical demonstrations, research tasks, discussions, group and individual critiques.

Do I need to own a camera?

Yes you will need a digital camera.

You will also need access to an SLR film camera. These can usually be acquired through family and friends.

What do students say about this course?

“I have really enjoyed working with the various darkroom techniques.”

“I am pleased with the way my work has developed and intend to study Photography at a higher level when I finish my A Levels.”

“We are frequently given individual advice about our work, and are shown some interesting and inspiring sources.”

What have I got to do in order to do well?

Be creative and inventive with photographic techniques and processes.

Manage time efficiently to complete all practical and research tasks.

Learn by exploring the work of other photographers.

Keep your eyes open for inspiring places and subjects to photograph.

Be prepared and equipped for all lessons.

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

There are four A level Visual Arts subjects, Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textiles and Photography. Each follows the same specification and requires the development of a creative approach but a range of different techniques are learnt in each subject. There are different entry requirements.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Photography is a great companion to all other subjects as creativity, imagination and problem solving skills can give you great ideas for your other subjects.

What do people do with A Level Photography?

Many students go on to an Art Foundation course. This is a general diagnostic year that allows students to try all Art and Design specialisms before going on to an higher education course. Some universities will accept students onto a Photography degree with A Levels and a portfolio.

Possible degree options • Animation • Commercial photography • Creative and editorial photography

• • • • • • • •

Digital media Fashion photography Film and television Film and visual culture Forensic photography Graphics with photography Medical photography Visual communication

Possible career options Studying a photography related degree at university will give you all sorts of exciting career opportunities including: • Commercial photographer • Fashion photographer • Filmmaker • Fine art photographer • Forensic photographer • Industrial photographer • Medical photographer • Nature photographer • Photographic illustrator • Photographic technician • Teacher • Photojournalist • Picture editor • Researcher • Social photographer • Sports photographer

Textiles A Level When do I start studying for this qualification?

September 2020.

For how long will I study?

For two years.

What is this course about?

The Textile Design course offers the opportunity to develop skills over a broad range of textile and fashion techniques and applications, such as printing, weaving, knitting, mixed media, digital applications, surface design, embroidery and installation.

Practical work is produced by researching and developing ideas using drawing, digital exploration, sketchbooks and work sheets, supported by critical evaluation and an awareness of contemporary and historical influences.

What topics will I study?

Textile Design course content: • Fashion design • Fashion textiles • Costume design • Digital textiles • Printed and/or dyed fabrics and materials • Domestic textiles, wallpaper • Interior design • Constructed textiles • Art textiles • Installed textiles Drawing and other materials or processes.

At the core of any textile art and design related practice is drawing. Drawing is an essential skill in the development process, from initial visual research, recording from primary sources, through to the translation of ideas into finished designs.

Contextual understanding and professional practice.

Students should incorporate contextual investigation and translation as inspirational starting points for their textiles development work. They will consider the work of others and use understanding gained to inform the progression of their own personal creativity.

In addition it is important that students are aware of current trends in textile and fashion design and development in order to be aware of current trends.

When undertaking work in textile design, students will be required to engage with: • A range of materials and tools used for textiles processes and, where appropriate, digital processes.

Approaches to textile design including the ways in which colour, texture and pattern evoke emotional responses.

• The application of textile design to the development of design ideas.

• The appropriateness of the chosen

•

media and the ability to realise the full potential of their ideas through the techniques employed.

Historical and contemporary themes and sources within the context of the chosen disciplines.

How will my work be assessed?

Component 1: You will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme. This will consist of a portfolio of work supported by written material. This will count for 60% of your total mark.

Component 2: You will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points which count for 40% of your total mark. Your work will be assessed by your teacher throughout the year with written and verbal feedback given. At the end of the course both components are internally marked and externally moderated. All work is assessed with reference to the four exam board set criteria.

Develop ideas Explore media Research, record, analyse, review Present outcomes.

You may be assessed for an AS qualification in this course at the end of your first year as a measure of your progress.

Are there any specific entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of five GCSEs at 9-4 or A*-C, including

Art and Design or Textiles. Students who do not have Art and Design or Textiles GCSE will be given a short research and practical task to complete before being accepted on the course.

What skills and interests do I need beforehand to be a successful applicant for this course?

A general interest in other areas of art, design or interior design is an advantage and a particular interest in fashion, textiles fine art or sculpture is essential.

Any practical skills gained in GCSE Art and Design or Creative Textiles will be useful. The course focuses on the creation of textile surfaces that can be made into fashion or fine art outcomes. It is therefore not similar to GCSE DT Textiles although the ability to use a sewing machine and make garments could be useful, but is not essential.

The course will introduce new textile techniques assuming you have not used them before. This will also help you to build on previous knowledge.

What skills will I need to develop during the course to succeed?

Good practical skills in terms of using textile materials and techniques in an experimental and inventive way.

Be enquiring and analytical when looking at the work of other artists and designers, and making connections to your own work.

Good observational skills, the ability to recognise interesting sources of inspiration.

What are the lessons like?

A range of teaching and learning styles is used during the course.

Group briefings, slide shows, practical demonstrations, research tasks, discussions, group and individual critiques.

For much of the course you are working on individual, practical tasks or research based tasks.

1:1 support is available to all students.

What do students say about this course?

“Textiles was something that I have never really tried before, but I am really glad I took up the course as it proved to be really exciting and I am now thinking of taking many of the ideas and techniques learnt into my Art Foundation course next year at university.”

“The teacher gets you through the course really well and really helps you concentrate. You learn brilliant techniques that help you create great ideas.”

“I enjoyed the textiles course because I was taught new techniques and how to incorporate inspiration and ideas into my projects in a style that suited me.”

What have I got to do in order to do well?

• Be creative and inventive with textile materials and techniques.

• Manage time efficiently to complete all practical and research tasks.

• Learn by exploring the work of other artists and designers.

• Keep your eyes open for inspiring sources at all times.

• Be prepared and equipped for all lessons.

Is there a similar qualification to this one? If so how do I choose between them?

There are four Visual Arts subjects: Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textiles and Photography. Each follows the same specification and requires the development of a creative approach.

A range of different techniques are learnt in each subject. There are different entry requirements.

Are there any other qualifications which combine particularly well with this one?

Textile Design is a great companion to all other subjects as creativity, imagination and problem solving skills can give you great ideas for your other subjects and be transferable skills that are looked upon favourably by universities and employer.

What do people do with A Level Textiles?

Many students go on to an Art

Foundation course. This is a general diagnostic year that allows students to try all Art and Design specialisms before going on to an HE course.

Possible degree options • Constructed textiles • Contemporary textiles • Costume design • Digital textiles • Fashion design • Fashion promotion/ merchandising • Footwear design • Printed textiles • Sportswear design • Surface design • Textile design • Textile science and technology • Theatre design • Possible career options • Studying a textile design related degree at university will give you all sorts of exciting career opportunities including: • Textile technologist • Colour trender or stylist • Costume designer • Creative director • Digital textiles designer • Fashion designer • Fashion illustrator • Fashion journalist • Fashion stylist • Interior designer • Museum/gallery conservator • Pattern cutter • Retail buyer • Teacher or lecturer • Textile designer • Theatre designer • Upholsterer • Wallpaper designer

Career opportunities exist in fashion design, fashion illustration, textile design, marketing, trend prediction, interior design, fine art and craft areas, teaching, and research or museum work. Students can go on to work for companies or as freelance designers.

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