The full A level course consists of 4 units for both courses:

The first unit of work is extensive and consists of a number of assignments.  Initially these are structured and the focus on developing and extending technical skills and critical appreciation.  An increased level of independence is expected as the course progresses with students taking ownership over the direction their work takes.  Students will experience a wide range of methods, processes and techniques and will be encouraged to be experimental and highly creative. 

TEACHING
The course is assignment based with students working to set deadlines.  Some of the work is teacher directed but increasingly students are expected to develop their own ideas through discussion with teachers and fellow students.  Usually, teaching of the groups is shared, which encourages different ways of working and prepares students more for university education.  Currently there are 5 lessons per week but students are expected to spend at least the same amount of time working at home and in study periods in the A level studio space (B26a).

ASSESSMENT
The body of work produced for each unit is assessed against the criteria set by the examining board AQA. The criteria for assessment is:

• Development of ideas through sustained investigations.
• Experiment with media, materials, techniques and processes.
• Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions.
• Present a personal, informed and meaningful response demonstrating critical understanding.

THE REQUIREMENTS
Above all, we expect involvement.  A degree of technical skill is needed (grade B at GCSE + merit at BTEC) but must be combined with a willingness to make a commitment to work.  Students are expected to work regularly outside of lesson times both in School and at home.  Home Learning is sometimes open ended which requires  responsibility on the students’ part for their own work.

THE FUTURE
There are over 70 Art and Art related courses on offer at degree or HND level: Fine Art, Fashion, Textiles, Interior Design, Graphics, Advertising, Packaging, Display, Photography and Film Making to name a few!
Progression to a degree course is usually via the Foundation Course at Wiltshire College, Trowbridge.

FURTHER INFORMATION
See Miss P Williams, Subject Leader for Art and Design.

“Photography is the challenge of combining technical skills and creative flair.”

“You have more freedom to explore and develop your own style of working.”

“I enjoy using all the different media and working on such a large scale.”

“I enjoy Art because there is a dynamic within the group that enables
you to bounce ideas off each other.”