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Art and Design A Level

Explore art and design skills and techniques, develop your own creativity and research the work of artists past and present.

  • Level

    Level 3

  • Type

    GCE A level

  • Study Mode

    Part-time

  • Duration

    2 Years

  • Location

    Reading College

  • Pathway

    A Levels

In A Level Art and Design you will work to given themes in set projects, you develop your skills in observational and experimental tasks in drawing, painting and making creative artwork in two and three dimensions.

The art disciplines available within this course include painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, illustration, graphic design, fine art textiles, spatial design, film-based photography, digital photography, and film & video. Each of these has a specific set of practical workshops designed to build your skills in all of these areas.

 

As part of your academic studies, you will also be introduced to a series of artists and their work in the form of artists’ research, which you will be expected to synthesise into your own practice.

 

As creative students, you will follow a creative process, in which you play and develop ways of communicating your ideas visually. When generating and developing new ideas you are expected to be proactive, persistent, and self-motivated. Producing creative, individual, and exciting outcomes can inspire and challenge the viewer through interaction with your work and engagement with their ideas. You will be introduced to a variety of practical workshops allowing you to explore your ideas through experimental making.

As part of the A Level course, you will have access to experts in various fields within art and design, many of whom are still practicing artists. As part of this expertise, you will also develop your employability skills within the industry of your choice. These skills will include critical thinking, problem-solving, time management, and research.

Year 1

Component 1: Portfolio 60% of AS

Component 2: Externally set assignment 40% of AS

Year 2

Component 1: Personal Investigation 60% of A Level

Component 2: Externally set assignment 40% of A Level

In timetabled sessions, activities include:

  • practical workshops
  • research seminars
  • presentations and discussions

Work may be undertaken independently and in small groups.

Homework is usually set once a week and may include research and preparation for classes, as well as starting and continuing practical work.

We expect our students to be fully committed to their studies and attend all timetabled sessions. In addition, you will have the opportunity to attend trips and visits according to the needs of your subject.

We have an extensive set of professional workshops which you will have access to once you have been inducted. These include a photography studio, 3D workshop, printmaking workshop, and textiles facility. You will produce a significant body of work that reflects your individual creativity, skills, interests, and approach.

If you wish to pursue further study in art and design, you will be given support while you compile a personal portfolio of creative artwork that may be taken to interview for an art foundation diploma course or direct entry to higher education.

Coursework units are assessed internally by subject tutors and sampled for moderation by AQA. Projects and assignments for coursework are set by subject tutors and students in collaboration.

Externally set assignments are overseen by AQA and students are required to produce their finished work within a specified time limit. Work is then internally assessed by subject tutors and sampled for moderation by the AQA external examiner.

Applicants should have five GCSEs at grade 5 or above, including English and Maths and Art.

You may be asked to show examples of some previous art and design work to demonstrate your interest and potential.

You will not be required to buy any art materials before starting, but you may feel you want to in which case please get some advice from the tutor.

Why Reading College?

  • Clear routes of progression with qualifications ranging from foundation level to degree level!
  • Industry experienced teaching staff give you the responsibility and independence you need to take charge of your own future.
  • 150+

    courses available

  • 95%

    of our graduates go into work or higher education

  • 65+

    years of teaching experience

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