Course Live_AC_paperturn-3 - Flipbook - Page 12
ART (Fine Art)
A Level
Art A Level offers a dynamic and supportive environment
for you to explore your creative potential. At Varndean
Sixth Form College, we have a strong history of teaching
both traditional and contemporary art skills in our purpose
built, light filled art studio. Guided by practising artists
and experienced tutors, you’ll experiment with a range of
materials, techniques, and mediums while developing your
own unique artistic voice. The course will help you think
critically, push boundaries, and take creative risks through
a combination of practical projects, individual study, and
research into the work of influential artists.
In Year 1, you’ll be introduced to a broad spectrum of
artistic practices, from drawing and painting to printmaking
and mixed media. You’ll explore different approaches
to drawing, work with life models, and gain hands-on
experience using many different materials. You will
experience a degree of freedom and personal project
management by researching your own individual theme,
whilst working with exciting techniques and expert
guidance.
In Year 2, you’ll extend your technical skills and focus on
more ambitious, self-directed projects. You’ll negotiate your
individual subjects of study with your tutor, deepening your
engagement with both practical and critical research. You
will work on large-scale pieces in two or three dimensions
and have the opportunity to demonstrate your artistic
development in an externally set assignment, showcasing
your ability to record observations, respond to existing art,
and produce your own high-level creative work. in
COURSE CONTENT
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
YEAR 1
Standard Advanced Level entry
requirements
• Investigating a range of approaches
to drawing
• Experimenting with a range of materials
• Learning from other artists
• Painting in oil or acrylics on a range of
surfaces and sizes
Plus Grade 4 in GCSE Art or Textiles
Or Pass or above in BTEC Level 2
Certificate in Art & Design.
If GCSE Art or Technology have not been
taken, suitably qualified students with a
good portfolio of work will be considered.
• Printmaking and mixed media
• Life Drawing unit
assessment
• Visit to London Galleries
60% coursework, 40% externally set
assignment
YEAR 2
• Extending your drawing skills, including
working from life
• In-depth practical and written critical
research on a selected artist, movement
or theme
• Individually negotiated practical projects
• Ambitious creative outcomes in two or
three dimensions on a range of scales
• Show your work in an exhibition in Year 2
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
Confident creative project planning and
management, visualisation and research,
fluent use of visual language, analytical
understanding of western and non-western
cultures.
OTHER INFORMATION
You will have access to a wide range of
processes, including drawing and painting
in oils or acrylics on a range of scales. You
can also work in three dimensions in a
variety of construction materials.
CAREER PATHWAYS
Students progress to Foundation
courses and specialist Art degrees,
as well as degree courses outside
the Art area eg. History, Politics,
Economics and English.
VA R N D E A N S I X T H F O R M C O L L E G E 2 0 2 6
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