Art

Who should take the course?

If you’re passionate about creativity, love experimenting with ideas, and want to take your art further, then A Level Art is for you.

It’s ideal if you’ve studied GCSE Art or a related subject, but you can also apply with a strong portfolio that shows off your skills and imagination.

What will I learn?

A Level Art is all about pushing your creativity to the next level. You’ll have the freedom to develop your own artistic style while learning new skills and techniques. Expect to:

• Experiment with different approaches, materials, and processes.

• Create bold, personal, and innovative artworks.

• Explore art as both an intellectual and creative discipline — a way of interpreting and expressing the world around you.

Through exciting projects, you’ll develop independence, originality, and problem-solving skills, while also gaining confidence in how to talk and write about your work.

You’ll work across two portfolios:

• Component 1 (Personal Portfolio): A sustained body of work including a personal study.

• Component 2 (Externally Set Assignment): An inspiring 10-week project that ends in a 15-hour controlled assessment.

How is it assessed?

Assessment is based on how well you can:

• Capture and record ideas, observations, and experiences.

• Analyse and evaluate artists and designers in context.

• Develop your ideas through exploration and investigation.

• Use a wide range of techniques and materials with confidence.

• Communicate your artistic vision clearly through practical work and written analysis.

You’ll also take part in regular portfolio reviews and critiques, helping you refine your ideas and push your work further.

Final assessment weighting:

• 60% Personal Portfolio (including a written Personal Study worth 12%).

• 40% Externally Set Assignment Portfolio (10+ weeks of preparation + 15-hour final piece).

Where will it take me?

Art A Level opens doors to one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK — the creative sector. Many of our students go on to:

• Study a Creative Visual Art Type Degree at university.

• Take an Art Foundation Diploma (a one-year course to explore and find your specialism).

• Begin a Creative Apprenticeship in design, media, or the arts.

• Pursue other exciting careers where Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving are highly valued.

Whether you want to become an artist, designer, games designer, illustrator, architect, animator, or curator, this course will give you the skills, portfolio, and confidence to take the next step.

And if you’re still figuring out whether art is your future? That’s fine too — your teacher can guide you through the best options available locally and nationally.