Art A Level

TO MAKE AN APPLICATION TO MERCIA SCHOOL PLEASE APPLY VIA THE MERCIA WEBSITE https://www.merciaschool.com

The deadline date for applications is 31st December 2022 (more information is available on Mercia School website)

An A Level in Art and Design offers a versatile qualification that prepares you well for university study and an ever-growing creative industry in Britain and beyond.

The creative sector has grown exponentially in recent years, with new technology creating new jobs and more opportunities than ever before. With a strong degree, an A Level in Art and Design will allow access into this exciting sector of our economy, potentially allowing opportunities within some of the largest visual effects companies in the world.

A Level Art and Design is a stimulating course that gives scholars the opportunity to expand on experiences gained during their GCSE Art studies.

We explore own interests and ideas, starting to think like practicing artists, considering work with a much higher level of criticality. Scholars will study a range of topics and themes throughout the course, developing and refining their own artwork through research and experimentation. Scholars will be able to work in, and experiment with: drawing, painting, mixed-media, sculpture, printmaking, photography, installation, and ceramics.

Exam Board: AQA A Level in Art and Design (Fine Art) Component 1 of AS level requires scholars to create a portfolio of work based on a particular starting point.

The work will develop over time in response to investigations around the subject area and the materials/mediums they experiment with. The creation of a final outcome(s) will illustrate how they have realised their intentions through investigations. For component 2, scholars will independently choose a starting point/theme from the exam board’s paper. They will use knowledge and techniques to produce a creative response within a 10 hour supervised time limit, after a preparatory period.

Component 1 of A Level includes completing an essay (between 1,000-3,000 words) to analyse the development of work. The essay is assessed alongside the body of work against the four assessment objectives.

For component 2 of A Level, scholars will independently choose a starting point/theme from the exam board’s paper. They will use knowledge and techniques to produce a creative response within a 15 hour supervised time limit, after a preparatory period.

Grade 7 at GCSE Art

As an Elite Sixth Form, our entry requirements are higher than most providers. Grade 7 at GCSE and if Art has not been previously studied, a portfolio assessed to be of equivalent standard by independent and experienced Art Teachers at Mercia School.

Prospective applicants will also sit entrance exams and have a short interview with subject specialists.

During these assessments we want pupils to demonstrate not just their current high level of knowledge, but also their drive and commitment towards their future studies.

Art is an extremely diverse discipline, linking with numerous subjects. History has always been closely related with art; artists have been essential in visually interpreting historical events and bookmarking societal changes. Scholars can explore and develop a practice that links with an interest or passion in another subject.

For example, they may study a scientific topic to help inform their artwork, forming links with Mercia teachers to help with observational studies and contextual research.