Examining Board – Edexcel

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AS Levels leads to Advanced Level Art and Design (Fine Art)

What do I need to know, or be able to do, before taking this course?

The most important thing you need in order to take the course is:

• A growing interest in art, craft and design
• A lively and enquiring mind
• A willingness to explore new ideas
• An ability to communicate your ideas effectively
• An appreciation of the visual world
• An appreciation of the visual world

What will I learn?

You will:

• develop skills, knowledge and understanding in art and design
• have an opportunity to apply learning in a practical and realistic way
• develop independent learning skills
• develop ideas and expand your creative thinking
• follow a programme of study that enables progression to both higher education and employment within art and design.

Why should I study this course?

This course will appeal to you if you:

• wish to follow a course that is active and enjoyable
• want an opportunity to carry out practical and creative work
• enjoy finding answers through personal investigation
• wish to learn about, and apply, the working methods used by professionals
• enjoy creative thinking and ownership of your projects
• you will be keen to undertake creative and reflective experimentation with media and materials so that you can explore the communication process independently and improve your own work over time

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT 

Your work will be assessed by your teacher and then externally moderated. You will experiment with a range of media, materials and technology.

Summary of course structure:

AS Unit 1 is a coursework unit. You will explore and respond to a theme of your choice. You will generate, research and develop ideas, as well as to develop the skills of analysis to help you analyse your own and others work.

AS Unit is an Externally Set Assignment. In addition to completing the 8 hour examination work, you will produce preparatory work that shows the development of your final piece

A2 Unit 3 is a coursework unit. This unit incorporates two linked elements – practical work and a written personal study and builds on Units 1 and 2.

A2 Unit 4 is an Externally Set Assignment. In addition to completing the 12 hour examination work, you will produce and submit preparatory work that shows the development of your final piece

What can I do having completed the GCE in Art and Design?

Because of the range of transferable skills that you will develop throughout the course you will have access to a wide range of career and higher education opportunities.

After completing the GCE in Art and Design you will have an impressive portfolio of work that will enable you to either enter the world of work or study.

Next Steps!

If you are interested in finding out more about GCE in Art and Design:

• Talk to the staff in your Art Department to hear about what activities you will be involved in over the next 2 years if you study this qualification
• Investigate the range of courses and careers that you can progress to once you have completed this qualification

Coursework units are set by the Centre and exam units by the Board. All units are marked by the Centre and moderated by the Board (AQA).

METHODS OF STUDY

A high level of involvement and personal responsibility and organisation is required at this level, coupled with a commitment to long hours of work outside contact time. Opportunities to work independently within the department are widely encouraged.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students should enjoy drawing and painting and should be eager to experiment and create. They should have a grade C or above at GCSE level.

USEFUL WEBSITES

• www.tate.org.uk
• www.tate.org.uk/learning