Art & Photography
A Level Fine Art
Fine Art at Key Stage 5 allows students greater decisions in the direction of their artwork from agreed starting points. Students can use a wide range of approaches and varied drawing, painting and photographical approaches to explore and respond to their chosen areas of study. Students build upon their previous experiences and are challenged to research their influences in depth so that contextual influences are understood within the history of art and culture. In Year 13, an extended piece of writing of between 1000 to 3000 words will be produced alongside a practical portfolio. This coursework will amount to 60% of an overall mark and the rest of the marks will come from an externally set starting point project. Alongside their timetabled lessons, students have the freedom to continue their art in a dedicated sixth form art room and can access resources independently.
A Level Photography
Photography at Key Stage 5 also allows students greater decisions in the direction of their creative endeavours. Traditional, digital and experimental photography is explored, and students are encouraged to refine their chosen areas of expertise. Students build upon their previous visual experiences and are challenged to research their influences in depth so that contextual influences are understood within the history of photography and art. In Year 13, an extended piece of writing of between 1000 to 3000 words will be produced alongside a practical photography portfolio. This coursework will amount to 60% of an overall mark and the rest of the marks will come from an externally set starting point project. Alongside their timetabled lessons, students have the freedom to continue their photography responses and presentation in a dedicated sixth form art and photography room where photo shoots can be staged.
A Level Fine Art and Photography Specification:
https://www.eduqas.co.uk/qualifications/art-and-design-as-a-level/#tab_overview
Enrichment
We also run a Key Stage 5 art and photography trip depending on which exhibitions are being shown. These have been to Glasgow and Edinburgh, Liverpool, to the Tate and Walker galleries, as well as Newcastle to the Baltic and Laing galleries.
Useful Links:
- http://www.tate.org.uk/learn/online-resources
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/subjects/art_and_design.shtml
- https://www.studentartguide.com
Work by Y13 student who went on to film studies degree at Salford University
Videos
A class of Y12 and Y13 students answer questions about why they chose the subject, which topics they find most interesting and how the subject can lead to future career opportunities.
Mr McGrath talks to one of his students about why she chose Art, why it is a rewarding choice of subject.
