Art

Students studying Fine Art at A Level (which includes traditional and digital pathways) can expect an exciting, practical and conceptual art course. During the first term, the class develops a team ethos, exploring new techniques and refining existing skills from their previous artistic experiences at GCSE. We analyse just what it means to create art, looking at the ‘core concepts’ that underpin all artists… from the most traditional to Damien Hirst or Ai WeiWei.

In order to examine these ‘core concepts’, we are lucky enough to have amazing resources. Students will try their hand at:

• A professional photoshoot (both under studio lights and on location using our incredible range of DSLR cameras and studio equipment)
• Contemporary and traditional painting techniques (oil painting, watercolour and acrylic)
• Printing (monoprint, collography, etching, linoprint)
• Photoshop (using the mac suite and our A0 printer)

We are also able to facilitate textiles works, 3D sculpture, projection/film work and laser cutting on a more ad hoc basis.

In January, students undertake a thematic ‘Set Task’ project which is selected from a range of starting points given by the exam board (OCR). This selection is led by the student’s personal interests and areas of technical expertise. The project culminates in a 10 hour period for students to complete a final outcome.

Similarly, in Year 13 students are self-directed in the completion of their work under the guidance of the art staff; Miss Quinn and Miss Saunders. They undertake a ‘personal investigation’ project with marks awarded for both a practical element and an ‘extended written response.’ As in Year 12, they also complete a ‘Set Task’ project beginning in February.