Why might AS and A Level Art and Design appeal to me?
If you have an interest in the Arts generally, and if you have enjoyed working in this essentially practical subject, then this is the course for you.

This course offers students the opportunity to explore a number of disciplines including painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, digital art, graphics and mixed media.

How will I spend my time on the course?
What topics will I study at AS Level?
The course will be divided into Units and at AS Level, you will study the following:

Unit 1 - Coursework
Our unendorsed syllabus allows you to explore a range of approaches.

Disciplines include drawing, painting printmaking, photography, digital art, graphics and mixed media.The Art Department will give you a broad starting point for developing your own ideas but your course will also include Life Drawing classes and gallery visits.

Unit 2 - Externally Set Assignment
You will be given a starting point by the board and you will have several weeks to create a body of work prior to sitting an 8 hour practical examination.

What topics will I study at A (A2) Level?
At A Level, too, the course will be divided into modules, which build onto those studied at AS Level. You will study the following:

Unit 3 - Coursework
You will develop the skills you have gained at AS Level in an individual way. The practical work for this unit will be supported by a written personal study.

SO: 3 (i) Practical Work

3 (ii) Personal Study (3000 words illustrated study)

Unit 4 - Externally Set Assignment
You will be given a starting point by the board which would be flexible enough for a wide interpretation and you will have several weeks to create a body of work prior to sitting an 12 hour examination.

Will I have a choice of Units?
The four Units are set, but each one gives you some choice of study theme. The set themes are really intended as starting points and your strong personal response to these themes is encouraged.

What are the entry requirements?
This course is offered to students 16-18 who are students at SJWMS or part of the Consortium Partnersship
You should have Art at GCSE Level at B grade at least.

Will any materials and equipment be provided by the school, and if so,
what will they be?
We will provide Art studios which are equipped with easels, drawing boards, printmaking equipment and computers. We will also provide some basic drawing, painting (acrylics, watercolours, gouache and oil paints) and printmaking materials, sketchbooks and papers. You will be given an A1 portfolio to store your work. You will have to opportunity to purchase an Art Kit which is an A3 portfolio equipped with a sketchbook, drawing and painting tools and materials. You may also purchase a good basic set of oil paints for your own use.

What materials will I be expected to provide?
Any extra, costly materials that you may wish to use, specialist photogrpahic paper if you wish to produce high quality prints. It is a good idea to gradually build up your own kit of materials, including paints, palette, brushes, pencils, and so on.

How will I learn on this course?
We will be using a variety of teaching methods. These involve you taking part in discussions, listening to presentations, gallery visits, watching demonstrations and doing homework. Much of the work you will do is practical, so the class will usually be studio based.

How many hours a week will I be expected to work outside normal class contact?
On the AS course, we would expect you to spend at least three hours a week working independently. On the A Level course, we would expect this to increase to five hours a week.

What type of work will I be expected to do outside normal class contact?
We would expect you to carry out research, complete assignments and do your homework.

I've already taken GCSE. How does the AS/A Level compare with this in terms of my workload and level of commitment?
Of course, there are some similarities in the course content. However, AS/A Level asks for a much higher level of commitment and organisation, with the ability to meet deadlines. It is important that you have a positive, enquiring mind and the ability to research, experiment and work visually.

Will I be expected to develop new skills during the course, and what will they be?
Due to the difference between GCSE and AS/A Level, the development of independent learning and research skills is essential.

How will I be assessed?
AS Level - Coursework Units will be given feedback during its progress and then assessed by the team of Art teachers on completion and then reviewed with you. All the Units will be moderated by the external assessor from Edexcel before the publication of results in the summer.

A Level - The Course will be assessed in exactly the same way as at AS Level.

Is there any coursework involved?
A large proportion of the course is made up of coursework. At AS Level, Units 1 and 2 involve coursework and will give you 60% of your AS Level mark (this works out at 30% of your full A Level). In the AS Level year, we will spend from September to March on coursework. In the A Level year, we will spend from June to March. In your second, A Level year, Unit 3 involves coursework and will give you another 30% of your full A Level mark.

Could I retake any Units, and if so, when?
At SJWMS we do not re-take units in Art as a school policy.

If I achieve AS Level, what could I do next?
You can continue your studies in art to full advanced Level (A2). You could use the UCAS points awarded for your AS Level to go on to Higher Education

If I achieve A Level (A2), what could I do next?
You could go on to BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design, to a degree course in Art related subjects, such as Architecture, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Interior Design, Fashion or take non-related subjects such as English, Music, Psychology, Accountancy. You could use your UCAS points to support your choice of University Course. You could also go straight into employment.

What other subjects could I take with Art and Design?
We feel that any subjects combine well with Art, but the most usual ones are English, Theatre Studies, Film Studies, Music, History, Psychology, Sociology and Languages. There are no subjects which shouldn't be studied, but you need to consider your Higher education and career aims before deciding on a more unusual combination of subjects.

How do I find out more about the course?
Contact the Mrs Trinder, Head of art and Design, who will be pleased to talk informally with prospective applicants, parents and teachers.