GCE Art and Design

Why Art & Design?

Studying Art and Design in Year 2 will provide many opportunities that can be transferred into the workplace or onto a higher level course such as a degree in Art and Design or a related subject. It is particularly important to study Art and Design for those who wish to pursue a career in the Arts. This is a two year programme of study.

The Art and Design course at Sandwell Academy allows students to gain a range of skills such as independent thinking, an interest and enthusiasm for the Arts and a wide range of experiences of working with a range of media including sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography, digital art, painting and drawing. In addition, students develop their skills and knowledge further by working with visiting artists, going on visits and following a thought provoking and enriching programme of study. Students will have the opportunity to undertake four full days in specialist Art and Design workshops, working with a still life artist and a ceramist.

Course Type: A Level
Exam Board: OCR
Specific Entry Requirements:
Grade 6 or above in a GCSE Art Subject
A distinction at BTEC Level (or interview with portfolio of work)
Course Assessment:
Students will complete 2 components (Personal Investigation 60% and externally set task 40%) of the total A level qualification.
Contact Curriculum Leader for more information:
Miss Deakin
Download Course Leaflet
Art & Design students can move on to Higher Education courses and careers in the following areas:
Ceramics, Textiles and Fashion, Product Design, Teaching, Interior Design, Curating, Theatre Design, Television, Graphic Design, Advertising, Architecture, Publishing, Printmaking, Illustration, Photography, Galleries and Museums, Buying, Game Design, Set Design, Make-up Artist, Fine Art, Scuplture and Painting, Painting Conservation

Course Outline

 

Component 1: Coursework Portfolio

In this first unit you will develop your skills through a variety of tasks. You will develop your drawing and painting skills, learn advanced ceramic techniques, large scale drawing and printing methods. The theme for the body of work will be natural forms; this will be the inspiration for the development of ideas and final outcomes. This unit is marked for final assessment in the Winter term of your second year and is worth 50% of your overall A level grade.

Component 2: Year 1 externally set assignment

The Controlled Test paper is set by OCR.

The Controlled Test is worth 100% of your Year 1 grade and does not count towards your final A level grade.

The paper has eight titles with introductions. You are required to select one question and use as the basis for your research and development.

The Controlled Test is made up from two separate activities:

  • A period of development work when you carry out your initial research and investigations and identify artists, designers and craftspeople whose work you wish to make connections with and develop ideas.
  • A controlled 10 hour unaided test when you are required to produce a final realisation.

You are required to demonstrate your ability to respond to a given stimulus within the specified time limit. You will have 10 hours to produce a final piece.

Year 2

Component 1 CONTINUES: Coursework portfolio with written element

What would you say is your specialist area in Art and Design? You will continue to develop your project further personalising and underpinning with meaning. During the summer break you will be asked to gather resources for your project development of work from 2.

The unit is made up of two components. A practical unit of investigation, where you will develop visual ideas into a final piece and a 2,000 word article exploring your investigation and development in relation to the work you have researched.

You should also look at the work of artists that relate to your chosen theme. There should be a clear influence from the work of artists you have researched and you are expected to arrange external visits to view work first hand.

Component 2: Year 2 Externally Set Assignment

Similar to component two in the AS, you will prepare and produce a piece of work for your final exam using the controlled paper from OCR. This is worth 50% of your A level in Art and Design grade.

The paper has eight titles with introductions. You are required to select one question and use as the basis for your research and development.

The Controlled Test is made up from two separate activities:

  • A period of development work when you carry out your initial research and investigations and identify artists, designers and craftspeople whose work you wish to make connections with and develop ideas.
  • A controlled fifteen hour unaided test when you are required to produce a final realisation.

You are required to demonstrate your ability to respond to a given stimulus within the specified time limit. The exam is a 15 hour final piece.

Important Documents

Questions or Queries?

Should you have any queries or comments please contact Miss Duncombe (Sixth Form Admissions Officer) by either:

Email: sixthformadmissions@sandwellacademy.com

Or by post:

Sixth Form Admissions Officer,
Sandwell Academy,
Halfords Lane,
West Bromwich,
West Midlands,
B71 4LG.

Please ensure that the correct postage is paid for the size of envelope used.