This course follows the OCR Cambridge AS and A Level Art and Design syllabus. This course allows you to create artwork based on commercial style commission and project briefs that have demands based on the proposed client. For example, one such brief will have you producing an illustration or tattoo design based on 19th Century Pre-Raphaelite artwork. You will always incorporate traditional skills alongside contextual references and the older aspects of art history. You will have opportunities to look at architectural history and design posters with architectural forms. You will look at older mythological narratives and the ways that they have been illustrated in the past to help you create new illustrative interpretations.
Some of you will be able to continue with extended written analysis and exhibition design. As the course progresses you will specialise in your preferred discipline. This way of working will be used to complete the one unit required at AS and the two units required at A Level in the second year. You can take this course as a standalone AS course too if you so wish.
You will study the course for 4.5 hours a week in the first year and 5 hours a week in the second year. You should expect to spend an additional 4.5 hours per week on homework and private study. Mock exams are held during the first year (in February/March), but do not count towards the final A Level. Exams for the whole A level are held in May or June of the second year.
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above, including GCSE grade 4/C or above in English, and preferably a GCSE grade 4/C in Art. If you have not taken Art at GCSE but have an interest in History, then this course would be suitable for you.
Future career and study opportunities
This course will allow direct access to a wide range of careers, for example: Curation, Art Conservation, Archivist, Gallery Consultant, Art Manager, Art Therapist, Architect, Fashion, Interior Design and Careers in the leisure, art, and creative industries.
Work experience/Careers Extra
This course does not contain a specific work experience component but offers other activities to help you develop employability skills. For example, each year we enter The Articulation prize, The Royal Academy Summer Show and the annual Signal Art Festival in Swindon. If needed, our Employability Team can help you find local work placements that will support the course.
Additional resources/costs
All materials will be available for you to use in our fully stocked and open studios. The course includes visits to museums, galleries and art events, for which you will be asked to pay for, but costs are kept to a minimum. As you further your skills, you may decide to purchase your own art materials, which we can advise you on.
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