Students will be expected to have met St Paul’s entry requirements of 2 Grade 5’s and 4 Grade 4’s. Students preferrable would have studied a creative path at GCSE level e.g. Art, Photography, Fashion & Accessories or Product Design. Individual conversations will need to be had with non-creatives wishing to take this course.

The course is designed to be fun, exciting and thought provoking. Art, craft and design education offers benefits to learnings, including encouraging diverse ways of knowing, interpreting, evaluating, and feeling; supporting the development of a sense of individual and collective identity; increased social awareness and engagement and enhanced opportunities for vocational learning and subject-related careers.

Students will explore through many disciplines in Art, Craft and Design such as Drawing, Painting, Photography, Visual communication, fashion & Textiles, 3D Making and print making as an introduction to the subject, during year 12. Students will then have the choice to build on their individual strengths and select their chosen area of study. The course is made up of two units:

Component 1: Personal Investigation 60%

Thematic Enquiry (Journey & Environments) Students will develop a practical portfolio showing their creative journey through the exploration of creative processes and techniques.

Students will complete a personal research essay (1,000-3000 words) on their chosen investigation of Artists/photographers/designers/crafts people alongside other contextual references.

Component 2: Externally Set Theme and 15 Hour Practical Exam

Exam theme will be provided by AQA exam board.

Assessment Board: AQA

What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

The best foundation for success in A’ level Art, Craft & Design is a good grade at GCSE Art & Design, Photography, Fashion & Accessories or Product Design. Above all, you should have an interest in creating and understanding art and the determination to develop that interest. In exceptional circumstances, students without a GCSE in Art, Photography, Fashion & Accessories or Product Design will be considered on the strength of their portfolio.

What will I learn on this A Level course?

The main purpose of the course in art, craft and design is to develop your ability to appreciate the visual world, to respond in a personal and creative way and to express your thoughts, ideas and feelings.

You will develop your imaginative and creative powers and your experimental, analytical and documenting skills. You will also develop a specialist vocabulary and the knowledge and understanding of the place of art, craft and design in history and in contemporary society.

The specific skills you acquire will be determined to some extent by the area of study you choose – for example graphic design, photography, film, textiles or fine art. Whether you see yourself as a painter, a fashion designer or a filmmaker, the same basic rules and skills apply. The majority of the A-Level students move on to a Foundation Course in Art & Design, where they finally decide on a specialism.

What kind of student is this course suitable for?

A Level GCE in Art & Design is suitable for students:

• who wish to study art, craft and design at a higher level usually at art college or further education;
• who are looking to take up careers for which an art background is relevant, for example careers in advertising, publishing, architecture, museums, theatre, art gallery work or teaching / lecturing, illustration, fine art; with an interest in and aptitude for the subject who do not intend to study it further, but who see it as an opportunity for enjoyment, personal growth and expression.

Architect, Set Designer, Graphic Design, Illustrator, Photographer, Animateur, Fine Artist. Advertising, fashion, publishing, freelance artist. art direction, set design, or video game design. Prop Maker, Community Arts Work, Commercial Art gallery Manager, Art therapist and many more.

For further information, please contact:

Mrs Bosworth (cbosworth@st-pauls.leicester.sch.uk)