Expressive Arts Faculty
Contact Mrs N Lee-Wragg
Examination Board & Code : EDEXCEL AS 8AD01, A2 9AD01	Length of Course : 2 Years to full A level

  

What is Art A level about?

Students are taught to develop new and existing skills through sustained investigations and experiments, using a range of materials and resources, plus demonstrating an understanding of art critical and contextual studies. Students are taught to reflect on their ideas as they progress and present a personal and informed response. 

 

Is this course for me?

Students must have already completed an art-related course and achieved a good level of artistic skills. There are written elements to the AS and A2 which require a high level of literacy skills and command of analytical vocabulary.

 

What else do I need to know?

In support of the students’ development, there are organised enrichment activities such as life drawing which is run after school, artist workshops and off site visits. Students will be required to contribute towards the cost of these.  The extra curricular activities support students in compiling a comprehensive portfolio when applying for further education courses as well as a strong course work folder. Commitment to self study is a very important part of the course. A charge for materials will be made. 

What do other students say?

‘The course has given me a wide range of pathways to discover my strengths and weaknesses. I think I have a good starting point to continue with my Art education at art college’

‘It’s a diverse course and we’ve learnt a lot. We’re encouraged to develop our skills. The extracurricular  life drawing classes are an amazing opportunity to prepare me for art school.’  ‘The hat competition was a brilliant. I learnt so many millinery skills which I want to eventually use when I apply to college to do Fashion. ’  ‘The Michael Brennand-Wood workshop helped my confidence. I love what I made and working with a contemporary artist was really inspiring. I never thought I would meet someone so important in the world of contemporary Textiles.’

 

Where could it lead?

Successful completion of the course provides you with a wide range of practical and study skills which are applicable to the work place and colleges of further education. Most students pursue an Art Foundation course. Students have successfully applied to Kingston, Central School St. Martins, Falmouth, Reading, Farnham, Goldsmiths. A Foundation course prepares students when applying for specialist degree courses such as Fine Art, Theatre Design, Graphics, Textiles/Fashion, Media and Photography.

 

How is this course structured?

Unit Content	Unit Assessment
AS Unit 1:  This is an unendorsed course which covers a range of skills including 3D, printing, drawing and painting and artist research	Internally assessed and externally moderated. 60% of the total AS marks, 30% of the total A2 marks
AS Unit 2: The externally set paper represents the culmination of the AS course. The paper consists of one thematic starting point. There is a preparatory period enabling students to research and develop their ideas.	Internally assessed and externally moderated. 40% of the total AS marks. 20% of the total A2 marks.The timed element is 8 hours
A2 Unit 3: This unit incorporates 2 linked elements each with separate outcomes: Practical and Personal study. The investigation and development for both are linked through the supporting work.	Internally assessed and externally moderated. 60% of the total A2 marks. 30% of the total A2 marks
A2 Unit 4: The externally set paper represents the culmination of the A2 course. The paper consists of one thematic starting point. There is a preparatory period enabling students to research and develop their ideas.	Internally assessed and externally moderated. 40% of the total A2 marks. 20% of the total A2 marks.The timed element is 12 hours

 

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