What is it?
This course explores several media and disciplines including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, plaster, wire, latex, fabric, embroidery, printmaking, sculpture, wearable art and installation. Study of contemporary and historical artists underpins your development.
Please note that this course cannot be combined with A Level Fine Art.
Why study this subject at Blackpool Sixth?
The course offers a diverse and personal approach to art with opportunities to explore a wide variety of methods, techniques and processes. Whilst taking art, craft & design at Blackpool Sixth you are provided with the opportunity to work alongside contemporary artists and designers.
What skills will I develop?
- Practical ability in your chosen field
- Organisational skills
- Critical thinking
- Communication skills
- Research skills
- Ability to justify your choices, resilience, self awareness
How will I be taught?
One to one tutorials, group and individual practical demonstrations, peer and self assessment, self-reflection time to ensure skill and critical thinking development.
How will I be assessed?
60% coursework 40% practical exam.
Teacher expertise
The team are very experienced in teaching A level. All staff have relevant practical degrees, ranging from illustration to fine art. Staff are skilled in a number of 2D and 3D techniques and processes.
Field trips, projects and employability opportunities
We often invite contemporary artists to work with our students. Visiting artists work with our students in practical workshops and many ex students visited to discuss current degree courses or their line of employment. Annually we attend the UCAS, “Design your Future” event in Manchester. Visits have included Edinburgh, Liverpool, Falmouth and Verona. Strong links are continuing to develop with several universities including Blackpool & The Fylde College, Falmouth and Manchester through portfolio review sessions, workshops, talks and tours. Students also have the opportunity enter various art competitions, live briefs, community art ventures, enterprise activities and have exhibited their artwork in house and externally at several locations including The Mall Gallery London, The Hounds Hill Shopping Centre, Blackpool Tower and Booths Gallery Lytham.
Where does it lead?
Former students have gone on to a wide range of careers within art and design, including: international artist, surface pattern designer, interior designer, costume and set designer, animator, art historian and gallery curator, freelance designer, and studio manager.
Specific requirements
If you do not have GCSE Art, it is advisable to have attended taster sessions and open events.
Equipment
You will need access to basic drawing and painting equipment at home. Approximate costs £15.
Examination board
AQA.
Entry Requirements
- If you do not have GCSE Art, it is advisable to have attended taster sessions and open events.
What will I study?
First year:
- Mixed media
- Installation
- Photography
- Photoshop
- Sculpture
- Printing
- Textiles
- Live briefs and exhibitions
- Contemporary and historical practitioners
In the second year you will focus on producing a personalised portfolio. You will continue to develop new skills and techniques in a wide variety of media studying relevant contemporary and historical artists and designers. You will start to focus on your chosen areas of discipline to produce a well informed body of work and outcomes.