Art & Design, Fine Art
Fine Art requires engagement with aesthetic and intellectual concepts, through the use of traditional and/or digital media, materials and techniques for the purpose of self-expression. Fine Art may be created to communicate ideas and messages about the observed world, the qualities of materials, perceptions, or pre-conceptions. It can also be used to explore personal and cultural identity, society, and reflect on our place in the world.
Disciplines within Fine Art
This qualification is sub-divided into the following four disciplines: painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and lens-based image making. Students will be required to work in one or more of the disciplines to communicate their ideas. By working across disciplines, they will extend their understanding of the scope of Fine Art; by focusing on one discipline, they will gain a deeper understanding of specific processes within Fine Art.
Course Content
Year 12
Personal Investigation
All work produced on the course will become part of your portfolio submission.
The first year of the qualification focuses on exploring and developing new techniques and materials. For this we use the starting point of viewpoints as a theme, this enables students to begin exploring personal ideas for portfolio development.
Year 13
Personal Investigation/Personal Study
The second part of the course builds on the personal investigation based on differentiated themes and contextual sources. Incorporates three major elements: supporting studies, practical work, and a personal study. Supporting studies and practical work comprises of a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from personal starting points.
The personal study will be evidenced through critical written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum 1,000 words of continuous prose, which may contain integrated images.
Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment
Incorporates two major elements: preparatory studies and the 15 hour period of sustained focus. Preparatory studies comprise of a portfolio of practical and written development work based on an externally set theme.
During the 15 hour period of sustained focus under examination conditions, students will produce final outcome(s) extending from their preparatory studies in response to their own interpretation of the theme.
This Assignment is released on 1 February and contains a theme and suggested starting points. Students will have until the 15 hour period of sustained focus to develop their work.
Is this course right for me?
This course is ideal if you have an interest in Art and Design and would like to develop your practical and creative skills further. It is also suitable if you would like to add breadth to your other academic choices at A level.
Course highlights
During the course you can participate in a variety of gallery trips. We provide opportunities to exhibit your work and enter national competitions, and curate exhibitions . There are also a rich variety of extra-curricular activities including holiday work-shops and life drawing classes.
What can I do next?
The study of Art and Design at this level can lead to further study of Art on a Foundation Course, or direct entry onto a Degree Course. Examples of degree courses leading to possible future careers, include Fine Art, Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, Fashion and Surface Pattern Design, Painting and Printing, and a range of combined courses.
If you are considering a career in any area of Art and Design, you are strongly advised to study Art at A level. Doing so will mean that you will be more confident visually, and you are therefore likely to be far more successful in your chosen field.
Subject minimum entry requirement
Grade 6 or higher at GCSE in an Art and Design qualification.
“Fine Art at QEGS has given me an opportunity to freely express myself and explore a means of learning about history, culture and to an extent myself. With the easily accessible abundance of materials, even digital programmes like Photoshop. it is impossible not to love the opportunities we are given to experiment and create. We are also fortunate enough to have an amazing team of teachers with expertise and genuine care for each student’s personal development who support us in our creativity unconditionally. With amazing staff, high quality materials and a beautiful space to work in, this course is perfect for those wishing to study Art.”
“Art has allowed me to freely develop my skills over several types of media. The way that Art is taught at QEGS also gives students a clear understanding of the foundations of the subject, such as knowing about formal elements, whilst also giving them the chance to experiment and show their creativity.”
For more information contact:
Mr TD Birtwistle
Head of Creative Faculty
