Art, Craft & Design / Fine Art

“If you are creative, independent and looking to push the boundaries of your art work, whilst developing strong technical skills and immersing yourself in art, then this could be the course for you.”

You will need to be self-motivated, pro-active, hard working and open to new challenges.

We offer two A-level courses both are taught side by side:
ART, CRAFT & DESIGN
FINE ART

Our courses are for art students who think creatively, want to develop their imaginative powers and are visually curious.  We start with a Foundation Course that requires you to respond to stimulus, taking risks, engage in critical thinking, trialing, making and investigating.  You are guided through technical processes in drawing, painting, printing and sculpture, allowing you to respond in your own style to the visual world we live in.  You will then take control and ownership of your learning and start to build your personal direction supported and encouraged by specialist Art tutors.

The course you select is tailored to you, it is your interests that will guide the studio practice, building a body of work leading to final outcomes.

Course structure:
Component 1: 60%
In years 1 and 2 you will focus on your personal portfolio.  Incorporating  a Foundation Course, sketchpad preparation and outcomes supported by a piece of critical writing.

Component 2: 40%
In year 2 you will study an externally set examination theme.  Presenting a body of work responding to a given theme, leading to a final outcome created during a 15 hour period of sustained focus under examination conditions.

Assessment (Exam Board – Edexcel)
You will receive ongoing feedback from teachers through formative and summative assessment, alongside peer and group critiques, culminating in a final exhibition in the Arts Festival in the summer term.  Your learning environment is centred around the studio, where your independent learning hours will fuse with your studio practice to stimulate visually working in print, digital, photography, textiles, mixed media, painting, sculpture or installation.

Events, exhibitions, talks, workshops, placements and work opportunities are offered to you and there are plenty of opportunities to connect with the exciting art scene locally and nationally.

Oakes students have gone on to study animation, fashion, print making, restoration, sculpture, furniture design, fine art, graphics and teaching degrees to name a few.  A-level Art promotes creative thinking, problem solving, teamwork, physical and practical decision making, imaginative powers, all of which are life skills crucial for successful employment.

Entry Requirements:
7 Higher Grades

• Grade 4 (or above) for English and Maths
• Grade 4 (or above) for other GCSE subjects
• 1 BTEC (or equivalent) at Merit or above may be included within the 7 grades