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Home > Courses > A Level Art, Craft & Design
VISUAL ARTS A-Level For 16-19 Year Olds

A Level Art, Craft & Design

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COURSE oVERVIEW

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.

EXAMINATION BOARD:

AQA

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Standard college entry requirements

If you do not have GCSE Art, it is advisable to have attended taster sessions and open events.

Why study A Level Art, Craft & Design 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.

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.

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.

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
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How will I be assessed?

40

%
Practical Exam

    60

    %
    Coursework

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      What will you study and other information about A Level Art, craft & design

      • First YearPlus buttonMinus button
        • 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.

      • You will need access to basic drawing and painting equipment at home. Approximate costs £15.

      • 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.

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      START WITH THE ARTS

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      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.

      Helping you to find your dream career

      Blackpool Sixth is dedicated to helping students achieve their future goals. We offer support to our students to help them find the best path for their chosen career.

      To see how this course links to career pathways and to career academies which you could join, click the links below.

      Related career pathways

      Our Alumni

      Lucinda Campbell


      Head of Performing Arts, Music and Media Teacher of Performing Arts, Dance and Musical Theatre

      Michael Handley

      Assistant Head of Performing Arts, Music and Media
      Teacher of A Level Film Studies and A Level Media Studies

      Olivia Hylins

      Teacher of Performing Arts, Dance and Musical Theatre

      ASH GOODINSON

      Teacher of A Level Music Technology and BTEC Music

      Lewis Williams

      Assistant Head of Performing Arts, Music and Media
      Teacher of BTEC Film and TV Production

      John Stevens

      Teacher of BTEC Music

      Helen Twist

      Teacher of A Level Media Studies and Level 2 Creative Digital Media

      Charlie Moore

      Teacher of BTEC Film and TV Production

      Lisa Carolan

      Teacher of Musical Theatre

      Sarah Mistry

      Teacher of Performing Arts and A Level Drama and Theatre Studies

      Joseph Wylie

      Lead Theatre Technician

      Rob Yeo

      Theatre and Music Technician

      JESSE MOSELEY

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      LUKE MOORE

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      KENZIE NODWELL

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      ELAINE DAVIES

      HEAD OF VISUAL ARTS

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