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Art

What do we cover in this subject?

You’ll get to work on your own personal project, which can include experimental drawings and paintings on all kinds of materials. Your work might come in the form of sketchbooks, journals, worksheets, or quick studies, along with more polished final pieces of different sizes. This all counts toward your A Level coursework.

Later on, you’ll move on to an externally set exam project. You’ll have time to pick a topic and do your own research, with your ideas shown through sketchbooks, notes, studies, and final pieces.

At A Level, you’re expected to go a bit deeper, focusing more on a particular material, technique, or theme. You’ll also be doing more research and combining your practical work with written elements, showing off your understanding in different creative ways. You’ll be encouraged to push your ideas further and explore different approaches, whether that’s sticking to one style or mixing things up across disciplines.

 

How is this subject taught?

In A Level Fine Art, you’ll get hands-on with loads of different materials and techniques; like painting, drawing, printmaking, and even claywork. It’s all about experimenting and seeing what you enjoy and what works best for your ideas. You’ll also spend time looking into artists and artwork to help shape your own ideas. This means doing a bit of research and showing that you understand how and why artists work the way they do.

There's a big focus on being creative, trying things out, pushing your ideas, and learning different techniques. You’ll be encouraged to play around with materials, explore new styles, and develop your own way of working. You'll learn how to reflect on your work too; through drawing, writing, photography, and sketchbooks. It’s all about showing the journey of your ideas and presenting them in a thoughtful and creative way.

Towards the end of the course, you’ll focus on bringing everything together in a personal project that really shows who you are as an artist.

Your grade is split like this:

  • 60% coursework – this is your personal project that you work on over time.

  • 40% exam – this is based on a theme you’ll choose from an exam paper. As with a GCSE art exam, you’ll get time to explore and develop it before doing the final piece.

Sixth formers work in their own studio, so you’ve got space to be creative and work independently.

 

What are the enrichment opportunities in this subject?

There are plenty of exciting opportunities to take your creativity to the next level. You’ll get to join workshops where you can sharpen your skills and experiment with new materials and techniques you may not have tried before.

Our students have also had the chance to work on live briefs with real clients - an amazing way to apply your artistic skills in a real-world setting and build experience for the future.

We run visits to local galleries and exhibitions, giving you the chance to see inspiring work from both contemporary and traditional artists. Experiencing art in person often sparks fresh ideas and helps you see your own work in new ways. We also have strong links with Manchester Metropolitan University and regularly take students there to take part in workshops, get a taste of university-level art, and explore creative pathways beyond A Level.

At the end of the course, you’ll get to set up your own mini exhibition in the sixth form art studio. It’s a chance to show off everything you’ve created, like your own personal gallery. It’s a great way to celebrate your journey and all the work you've put in.

 

Where does this subject lead after Sixth Form?

Art can open the door to all kinds of exciting paths. The creative industry is one of the fastest-growing out there, and lots of students go on to study art or design at uni.

Some of the careers you might head into include:

  • Artist or illustrator

  • Graphic designer

  • Architect

  • Photographer

  • Interior designer

  • Game designer

  • Museum or gallery curator

  • Art director

  • Art historian

If you’re creative and passionate, there are loads of possibilities and this course gives you a great starting point.