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The course is designed to develop your ability as a young Artist, questioning and reflecting on themes that will initially be set for you. The course will allow you to pursue and develop an idea creatively and confidently with the support of expert teaching staff.
Art is a creative subject in which you will respond independently to themes and questions. You will present your investigations in a sketchbook articulating visually your understanding and context of your work, researching Artists and information appropriate to your practice. You will have the opportunity to realise your work and curate an exhibition as a group. You will visit London galleries and a have the chance to go on a residential trip; we have previously visited New York, Florence, Rome and Paris. These trips are a vital learning resource which inspire and inform ideas and responses, developing students' understanding of their subject in a wider context. You will have the full support of an experienced team of practitioners within their respective disciplines alongside a dedicated technical support team.
A minimum of a Grade 6 at GCSE, plus sight of GCSE portfolio for external applicants. Art demands a commitment to question, reflect and learn new ways of seeing, engaging ideas and intentions.
The course is designed to develop your ability as a young Artist, questioning and reflecting on themes that will initially be set for you. The course will allow you to pursue and develop an idea creatively and confidently with the support of expert teaching staff.
We offer three different A Levels within Art and Design here at BWS. Please see the PDF documents below for the different course specifications and curriculum maps, for A level Graphic Communication, Art Craft and Design and Photography.
Your initial project will be based on the theme ‘Structures’. This will start with a focus on drawing techniques and ways to develop a personal response to the theme in a short intensive project that with give you a comprehensive understanding of the assessment objectives. You will also explore digital art, learn how to use Photoshop and Illustrator and look at photography and digital editing. You will then independently work in response to a theme from a selection of visual and written starting points.
You then have the option to specialise in either Art Craft and Design, Photography or Graphic Design. Your second project will be in the form of a past exam paper and you will choose a question on the AQA specification. You will spend the remaining term in year 12 and all the way through until the February half term working on your personal investigation, (component one portfolio). This will ensure you understand the expectations of the subject and prepare you for your A level.
Component 1: The Portfolio 60% of which you will start at the end of year 12. This will be supported be a written assignment to contextualize your investigation (1000-3000 words). The course concludes with Component 2: An Externally Set Assignment in February 40%
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE 1:
Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE 2:
Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE 3:
Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.
ASSESSMENT OBJECTIVE 4:
Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.
Art, Craft and Design at Bishop Wordsworth’s will give students the opportunity not only to look but to see, question, understand and reflect, analyse critically and articulate creatively. Art offers an impressive range of creative career choices; from a professional artist to architecture, product design to illustration. The A level will give students a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Art Education from a Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design) to a specialist Art degree.