Art & Design (Edexcel)

Artists and designers have a huge impact on the way people think, feel and live. Whilst studying this course you will have the opportunity to work and develop skills in a multi-disciplinary way, exploring the connections between areas of art, craft and design and gaining knowledge of the scope and variety of disciplines and approaches. With the emphasis on exploration and experimentation, students will use a wide variety of materials and processes including drawing, painting, print making, mixed-media, sculpture, photography and textiles, building on existing strengths and artistic ability. Creativity is key in all that we do and critical reference to artists and designers underpins and enriches all of the students’ work.

Previous students who studied Art & Design went on to Foundation Art Courses and to degrees in Graphic Design, Film Making, Printing, Fashion, Textiles, 3D and 2D Art & Design.

 

A Level

Component 1 – Personal Investigation and Skills Development

During the first three terms of this two-year linear course, you will workshop and develop your skills in
observational drawing using a variety of media (e.g. graphite, biro, ink, painting, textiles and a range of
printing and photography). If you have a preference for 3D, there is also the opportunity to explore this
medium. You will critically analyse your work and others’.

Assessment: In-house assessment only. This allows an opportunity to explore and develop skills for the rest of the A Level course.

Component 2 – Major Project
From February of Year 12, you will begin your first major project extending from your skills development
workshops, on a theme set by the school/student. This project will take a year to complete.

Assessment: Internally assessed and externally moderated in Jan/Feb of Year 13. 60% of total A Level qualification.

Component 3: Shorter Project and Critical Essay

From February of Year 13, you will undertake a shorter project, but this theme will be set by the
examination board. You will also undertake a critical essay analysing your chosen topic for project 1 (‘Major
Project’).

Assessment: The written essay and exam project combined account for 40% of the total A Level qualification. They are assessed by the teacher and externally moderated in Year 13.

Minimum Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including GCSE grade 4 in Art,
Graphics, Textiles or Design Technology.

Updated September 2022