Fine Art
A-Level Fine Art is a stimulating and rewarding qualification that fosters creativity, self-expression, and critical thinking. Students develop a strong portfolio, enhance emotional intelligence, and gain an understanding of art history and its cultural contexts, building skills that are valuable in diverse creative and academic fields.
Topics and Module Outline
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Personal Investigation (Component 1): Students independently explore an idea, issue, concept, or theme of their choice through practical artwork and an extended written study (1000–3000 words). The process leads to a finished piece or a series of related works.
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Externally Set Assignment (Component 2): Students select and respond to one of several examination questions with practical and written work, culminating in a supervised final piece created under exam conditions.
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Art History and Cultural Contexts: Integrated study of art movements, historical influences, and contexts to deepen understanding and inspire personal responses in artwork.
Entry Requirements
5 (or above) in an Art and Design subject or submission of an accepted portfolio in advance.
For further course information, please see the course directory.
Assessment Structure
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Component 1: Personal Investigation: Practical project plus written assessment (1000–3000 words), accounts for 60% of final A-Level grade.
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Component 2: Externally Set Assignment: Practical project responding to an exam prompt, includes preparatory period and supervised final piece, accounting for 40% of final grade.
Progression Pathways
A-Level Fine Art supports progression to higher education in fine arts, design, architecture, illustration, art history, and creative industries. It builds a portfolio for applications to art schools, apprenticeships, and careers in visual arts, creative direction, curatorship, and education.
Commonly Studied Alongside
Students typically select three subjects that complement each other, enabling a broad range of university and career pathways. Subjects commonly studied alongside Fine Art are English Literature, Film Studies and Photography.
