Post 16
Fine Art

AS level

The specification is made up of two sections An Advanced Subsidiary (AS) qualification and an A level (A2) qualification. The Advanced Subsidiary GCE is both a stand alone qualification and also the first half of the corresponding Advanced GCE. The AS GCE is assessed at a standard appropriate for candidates who have completed the first year of study of the two year Advanced course, i.e. between GCSE and Advanced GCE. The AS represents 50% of the A2 qualification, with the A2 being the remaining 50%.

Summary of Content

AS Unit - Coursework Portfolio  60% 0f the total AS
Candidates produce a portfolio of work from starting points, topics or themes determined by the centre.
The focus is on including work that shows exploration, research, acquisition of technique and skills.
  
As Unit - Controlled Assignment  40% of the total AS
Candidates select one starting point from an early release question paper.
Candidates are to be given a minimum of three – maximum of six weeks in which to plan and prepare.
Candidates are then given five hours of controlled time to work on developing their ideas to realisation.

AS Fine Art is intended for students who have a genuine interest in Art. The course will build on the skills, knowledge and understanding acquired by candidates who have taken GCSE art. It is expected that candidates will have developed appropriate attainment, understanding and skills for their programme of study to be rewarding. The analytical and evaluative components of the courses require candidates to demonstrate an understanding of purpose, meaning and content.

At AS the Controlled Assignment requires work from direct observation including sketches and notes.  Students are expected to produce preparatory sheets helping them to explore materials and information into a coherently planned piece. At AS the emphasis is on producing work related to development and experimentation within the course. At A2 recording and the presence of understanding are the focus.

Fine Art  A2 level

Summary of content

A2 Unit - Personal Investigation  30% of the total advanced GCE
Candidates submit one major project that has a personal significance.
The investigation includes a related personal study that must be between 1000 and 3000 words.

A2 Unit - Controlled Assignment 20% of the total advanced GCE                                                      
Candidates select one starting point from an early release question paper.
Candidates are to be given a minimum of three – maximum of six weeks in which to plan and prepare.
Candidates are then given fifteen hours of controlled time to work on developing their ideas to realisation.

Skills Required to Start the Course

It is expected that students who start the course have a good understanding of drawing and the use of the Visual Elements. Students should also have good powers of analysis and the ability to develop, organise and plan work effectively.

GCSE Entry Requirements

The entry requirements for the course are a grade C or above in GCSE Art and Design.

Possible Career Pathways

There are many career opportunities available for students which require knowledge and understanding of art and design.

For students wishing to specialise in one of the many disciplines on offer at graduate level, students are normally required to achieve a foundation certificate in art and design after achieving the full A level.