Covering a vast range of skills and talents, Art and Design is a diverse subject that could help you turn your creative passion into a money-making career. Whether you want to be the next Young British Artist, the creative within a team environment or you want to play a role in the innovative design of a new building, this subject will help you improve your talents and pursue your dream.

What is the structure of the course?

There are two components of the A-level that provide stretch and challenge opportunities for students as follows: In Component 1 The Personal Investigation (60%) students develop work based on an idea, concept or theme leading to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. There will be a variety of practical activities such as Drawing and Painting, Experimentation & Exploration of materials and process, Construction, Photography/Digital work, Textile and stitch as a means of expression, Critical appreciation of Historical and Contemporary Art. Practical elements should make connections with some aspect of contemporary or past practice of artists, designers, photographers or craftspeople and include written work of no less than 1000 and no more than 3000 words which supports the practical work. In Component 2 The Externally Set assignment (40%) students respond to a stimulus, provided by AQA, to produce work which provides evidence of their ability to work independently within specified time constraints, developing a personal and meaningful response which addresses all four of the assessment objectives and leads to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.

What skill/requirements are essential?

Being a creative individual who is willing to experiment and take risks to produce an original and innovative piece of work is important whilst studying A Level Art and Design. You must be dedicated, hardworking and passionate about Art. An ability to work independently and with a range of different materials is also desirable.

What do students think?

“Art is different for everyone. For me, art is about modern design and how a simple image could represent many stories.”

Where can this course lead?

Taking A level Art & Design has many possibilities as a pure subject choice that leads to specific creative futures of which there are a vast range some of which are highlighted here. Art & Design can be required with Mathematics and/or Physics for Architecture; with ICT for a wide range of Design courses (Fashion Design and related Fashion Industries, Silversmithing & Jewellery Design; Advertising & Graphic Design; Illustration; Glass; Interiors/Spatial Design; Toy Design; Printed Textiles) and Media futures. Art & Design with History for Art History, Archaeology and Conservation Studies, it combines well with Theatre or Performing Arts for Film, Theatre and Television and related technical careers. Also Art & Design, Photography and English prepare for Photo Journalism or Fashion Journalism. To name just a few!