- Home
- Courses
- Courses
- Art & Design
Art is defined as the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power. It is a way of expressing yourself, your thoughts and feelings in relation to the world around you.
Entry requirements
To study at RSFC, you must have achieved a minimum of five GCSEs or equivalent at grade 4 or above across four separate subjects, including GCSE Mathematics and/or English Language. If GCSE or BTEC Art is not studied, a comprehensive
portfolio will be required for assessment by our staff.
Why study this course?
Studying Art & Design will inspire you to problem-solve and communicate in a creative and innovative way. You will explore and create a visual language which says something about the way you understand and perceive the world around you. This will enable you to develop and discover ways to change perspectives and affect the attitudes of others. Using a variety of techniques and materials, you will be able to develop your own artistic interests and style reflecting your personal and cultural identity. This qualification is an excellent progression pathway onto higher education. There will be opportunities to exhibit your work, residential visits, and the option to undertake additional enrichment activities.
What can you expect from A level Art & Design?
You will develop your skills working with different materials and techniques on a range of challenging scales. Projects will build on your existing skills from your GCSE and school studies, along with experimenting with new techniques and processes designed to help you plan for final pieces. You will be valued as an individual and encouraged to pursue areas of study that you feel passionate about, enabling you to develop your own approach as an artist.
KEY TOPICS - YEAR 1
Workshop-led sessions will introduce you to a range of art studio materials and techniques. These include:
• Specialist drawing and painting processes
• Printmaking
• Casting and sculpture
• Creative textiles
• Photography – both traditional dark room and digital processes.
In the second term of study, you will select a suitable theme from 21 potential starting points including themes such as ‘urban & industrial’, ‘flaw & abnormalities’ and ‘deconstructing the figure’. Your personal investigation will be an independent project designed to develop high-level practical and thinking skills.
Key topics - YEAR 2
You will complete your personal investigation started in year 12 with ambitious and challenging final pieces. You will consolidate your sketchbook of investigation with compositional planning and experimentation for your final pieces. In addition, you will start an examination sketchbook, which will give you a chance to explore new themes, materials and outcomes, all of which will be exhibited in an end of year show to celebrate your achievements.
What can I do with a qualification in Art & Design?
Art & Design is a traditional and well-respected subject that can be combined with a variety of subjects to support progression to university. This qualification allows you to work in the creative industries with employment opportunities ranging from fashion, gallery or museum management, teaching, fine art practice, community arts, art therapy and wellbeing, funding and project management, events management, architecture, and interior design.
How is this course assessed?
Assessment is through a combination of coursework assignments and a controlled examination, including sketchbook work and a final piece.
Who is this course for?
If you enjoy developing your ideas, working practically and are not afraid to be experimental with a variety of different materials, then Art & Design is the subject for you.
