The Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton
Sixth Form
New A Level
Art
The Nelson Thomlinson School, Wigton, Cumbria, CA7 9PX
Tel: 016973 42160 Fax: 016973 49160 Email: [email protected]
www.nts.cumbria.sch.uk
Art
AS/A2 Level
Exam Board - AQA
Course Outline
Art in the Sixth Form is an extension of methods and practices
developed at GCSE. We offer a general, broad-based course in the
belief that flexibility and breadth of experience is important. Projects
can involve painting, drawing, 3D work, photography, graphics,
textiles or any combination of these. Students are advised to keep a
broad base and specialise if they wish later, although those with a
strength in particular areas can opt to build a course around this.
The AS Level in the Lower Sixth can be taken on its own or as a
preliminary step to progressing to the full A Level in the Upper Sixth.
Art is about your own experience, not about a fixed body of
knowledge. Projects will have a framework of teacher inputs,
technical guidance and working methods, but will encourage students
to identify, analyse and explore their own ideas.
Contextual studies of artists and aspects of Art History will be
integrated into the course and will be related to visits to local centres
such as Tullie House, Abbot Hall Kendal or Grizedale, and further
afield to Manchester, Liverpool or Edinburgh or a long weekend in
Paris.
The assessment requirements for the AS Level are:
A portfolio of work representing 60% of the AS Level marks;
One controlled assessment, making up 40% of the marks at AS
Level. This will consist of a 10-hour exam preceded by 3
months’ preparation.
Students who go on to take the full A Level will undertake two
more assessments:
One personal investigation in which students develop a
response to a theme or idea (60% of A Level marks)
The investigation is supported by a 1000 – 3000 word study.
An externally set assignment, 15 hours exam preceded by 3
months preparation (40% of the marks)
Coursework units are not fixed in terms of content and will change
from year to year. Controlled tests are produced in response to
question ‘starting points’ set by the exam board.
What kind of person would be suited to this course?
The course builds on experience at GCSE, however, interest,
involvement and commitment are really the key factors.
A competence in drawing is required but the willingness to interact
with materials and processes and interact visually is even more
important.
Comments from current A Level students:‘A Level Art encourages self development in a comfortable
environment with creative freedom.’
‘A Level Art gives you much more freedom to express your ideas in
contrast to the structure at GCSE. I have found my strengths through
trying lots of different artistic techniques.’
‘A lot of work but well worth it.’
Potential opportunities at the end of the course
Students wishing to pursue a course in Art and Design, or designrelated areas, usually take a ‘Foundation Course’ before applying for
degree courses. This foundation course is diagnostic and helps to
clarify specific directions at degree level.
At least a grade C in Art GCSE is required.
For further information see Mrs C Jones, Head of Art