Why study Art and Design?
As an A level Art and Design student, you will be introduced to a variety of experiences that explore a range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, processes and techniques. These can include techniques such as: painting, printmaking, collage / mixed media, photography, Graphics, Textiles and Model making / sculpture.
You will develop your drawing skills for different purposes, using a variety of methods and media. You may use sketchbooks/workbooks/journals to record your research, ideas and design work.
You will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of art, craft and design, from the past and from recent times. Throughout the designing, investigating, experimentation and making process you will develop your own visual style/language which will inform your area of study in Year 2.
Course Overview
Year 1
Portfolio You will develop work based on various areas of study such as Fine Art, Graphics, Textiles, Three-dimensional design. You will create work based on idea, issue, concept or theme, leading to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. Practical elements should make connections with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of artists and designers, photographers or craftspeople.
The emphasis of Year 1 Portfolio will be on the development of skills using an appropriate range of materials, processes and techniques.
Year 2
Component 1: Personal Investigation – Here you will select your chosen area of study. This is a practical investigation supported by written material. You will develop work based on an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. Practical elements should make connections with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of artists and designers, photographers or craftspeople and include written work of no less than 1000 and no more than 3000 words which supports the practical work.
Component 2: You will respond to a stimulus, provided by AQA, to produce work which provides evidence of your ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response which addresses all the assessment objectives and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. Preparatory period and 15 hours supervised timed assessment.
Careers
Animator, Concept artist, Graphic designer, Illustrator, Exhibition designer, Fine artist, Game artist, Interior and Spatial designer, Medical illustrator, Concept artist, Printmaker, Special effects technician, Textile designer, VFX artist, Web designer, Clothing/textile technologist, Colour technologist, Furniture designer, Interior and spatial designer, Product designer, Theatre/television/film, Stylist and so many more…
What subjects go well with Art and Design?
An A-level in Design will set an excellent foundation for a career in the creative industries, although the ability to ‘think outside the box’ and the observational skills learnt through this subject are considered valuable in a whole spectrum of professions.
Here at SSFC you will have the opportunity to study a combination of three subjects. Design works well with many subjects enabling you to keep your options open as your interests develop through your A levels.
Entry requirements
Many students taking A level Art and Design have a GCSE in Art and enjoy the combination of practical, technical, creative, and contextual demands involved in such a practical subject.
As Art and Design is a creative subject, a GCSE is not essential, however would be beneficial.
Along with the practical element a written essay will support Component 2, a grade 4 or above in English would be preferred.
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