Fine Art

We follow the Edexcel Specification

  • UNIT 1: Coursework: AS / 60%
  • UNIT 2: Externally set assignment: AS / 40%
  • UNIT 3: Individually directed course A2/ 60%
  • UNIT 4: Examination: A2 / 40%

Course aims:

The course aims to develop technical, observational and creative skills using a variety of media. These are enhanced by looking at different artists and their ways of working. |Individual strengths are encouraged in each student, helping them to develop their own ideas in order to make personal responses to a theme. Each student will have time to develop their control over the formal elements and acquire a good understanding of aesthetics. They will be taught how to think laterally, which will give them skills for future careers and expand their cognitive abilities. The aim is to provide students with the necessary tools to enable them to fulfill their creative intent.

Entry requirements:

GCSE Art and Design or and equivalent qualification in art.

Key features:

  • UNIT 1: Coursework unit based on student’s development of a theme. Explores many different mediums and techniques offering considerable freedom in their personal responses. Where applicable, the formal elements of drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking will be addressed.
  • UNIT 2: Externally set assignment: 8 week course. Exploration of a given theme using skills acquired in Unit 1. Culminates in an 8 hour practical exam.
  • UNIT 3: Individually directed course following personal ideas and areas of interest. Expands fine art skills and techniques. Incorporates a dissertation that interrelates with the practical work.
  • UNIT 4: Examination: 8 week course. Exploration of an externally set theme using skills acquired in throughout Units 1, 2 and 3. Culminates in a 12 hour practical exam.

Higher Education:

Fine Art, Animation, Illustration, Fashion, Creative Arts, Journalism, Theatre Design, Shop Design, Graphic Design, Media Studies, Film and Photography. Combined with other subjects it can be used for entry to a wide range of degree qualifications not necessarily related to Art and Design.

Art Photography

We follow the Edexcel specification.

  • Unit 1 AS: 60% Themed project
  • Unit 2 AS: Examination 8 hours
  • Unit 3 A2: 60% Individually directed course
  • Unit 4 A2: Examination 12 hours

Course aims:

The course aims to develop technical, observational and creative skills using photography. These are enhanced by looking at different artists and ways of working. Individual strengths are encouraged in each student, helping them to develop their own ideas in order to make personal responses to a theme.

Every student will learn how to take professional photographs and then present these in a way that reinforces their expressive intent. They will be taught how to use a variety of IT software, which will give them skills for future careers and expand their cognitive abilities. The aim is to enlighten students and help them understand how important photography is in a media based world and how it affects every individual.

Entry requirements:

Visual awareness. An interest in Film, Photography and Media based careers. Enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge.

Key features:

  • UNIT 1: Introduction to Digital and SLR Photography, Adobe Photoshop, the darkroom process, animation and film editing. Culminates in a theme based personal project.
  • UNIT 2: Exploration of an externally set theme using skills acquired in Unit 1.
  • UNIT 3: Individually directed course following own ideas and area of expertise. Expands photography skills and techniques. Incorporates a dissertation that interrelates with the practical work.
  • UNIT 4: Exploration of an externally set theme using skills acquired in throughout Units 1, 2 and 3.

Higher Education:

Graphic Design, Media Studies, Film and Photography, Fine Art, Animation, Illustration, Fashion, Creative Arts, Journalism, Theatre Design, Shop Design, Education. Combined with other subjects it can be used for entry to a wide range of degree qualifications not necessarily related to Art and Design.

 

Music

Music (Edexcel)

  • COMPONENT 1: Performing: 40% of A Level
  • COMPONENT 2: Composing: 30% of A Level
  • COMPONENT 3: Performing: 30% of A Level

Course aims:

Advanced GCE Music aims to enable students to experience a wide range of musical skills including performing, composing and analysing, as well as developing an understanding of the historical and contextual uses of music.

Entry requirements:

Students should be able to perform at a standard roughly equivalent to a pass at Grade 5 and have achieved or be working towards Grade 5 theory. A GCSE Music grade 6-8 is advised.

Key features:

  • Extends the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to communicate through music and take part in music making.
  • Extends the appreciation of the diverse and dynamic heritage of music, promoting spiritual and cultural development.
  • Develops particular strengths and interests encouraging life-long learning and providing access to music-related and other careers.
  • Enables students to recognise the interdependence of musical skills, knowledge and understanding and the links between the activities of performing/realising, composing and appraising.

Higher Education:

There are many varied degree courses available with Music as a single subject or in combination with others. Career opportunities include: performing arts, teaching, playing opportunities in the Armed Services, composing, music journalism, librarianship and publishing, musical instrument manufacture, maintenance and repair, sales, music administration, careers in television, radio and the popular music industry.