Entry Requirements

Any Art & Design GCSE Grade 4 or a Technology GCSE Grade 4 including Resistant Materials, Product Design, Graphics Products, Textiles or equivalent. If you haven’t studied Art, no problem, just come and speak to one of the tutors.

Exam Board Specification

What you will study

  • Gain practical skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture, ceramics, photography and film
  • Learn theoretical skills including research and source analysis of both historical and contemporary art practice
  • Understand how context shapes meaning
  • Apply the elements and principles of Art and Design
  • Learn how to link your work to both historical and contemporary art practice
  • Develop transferable skills valued by universities and employers
Black and white Image of artwork of a face on its side with an open mouth and a body of a female floating above

Assessment

Fine Art is a coursework subject (Two projects in year two).

Component 1 – Personal Investigation (60% of A Level grade)

This is a practical investigation supported by an extended essay. You will produce personal work based on an idea, issue, concept or theme.

Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment (40% of A Level grade) 

You will produce practical work in response to one of eight starting points on the AQA exam paper. Following the preparatory period, you will have 15 hours of supervised time to create a refined outcome.

Image of a white box shelving unit with two shelves and glasses on

Course Support

We encourage you to produce ambitious artworks and study that reflects your interests, curiosities and passions.

  • Engaging lessons are delivered by experienced and supportive staff
  • Additional tutorials including one-to-one support with individual targets
  • Additional tutorials including one-to-one support with individual targets
  • Specialist media, materials, techniques and processes
  • An open studio for you to complete your work
  • Additional High Achievers+ activities

Enrichment Activities

  • Local, regional and national competitions
  • Opportunities to exhibit your artwork in galleries and online
  • Workshops with artists and industry professionals
  • Life drawing classes
  • Trips and visits

Progression

Many of our students progress onto the UAL Art Foundation Diploma and then access Higher Education. Students have gained prestigious University places at Goldsmiths, Central St. Martin’s, Falmouth, Edinburgh, Ruskin School of Art, Oxford and others. Students have progressed on to courses such as: Fine Art, Architecture, Textile Design, Illustration, Graphic Design, and Animation.

You can also use your creativity, problem-solving and communication skills to access a variety of other courses where your skills will be beneficial, such as: Business Studies, Engineering, Science and Medicine, the Social Sciences, as well as Languages courses.

More Information

Follow the Fine Art Instagram account to see examples of student work – @carmelcollegefineart

A piece of artwork showing a female lying hold holding a flower up to her eye

Entry Requirements

Any Art & Design GCSE Grade 4 or a Technology GCSE Grade 4 including Resistant Materials, Product Design, Graphics Products, Textiles or equivalent. If you haven’t studied Art, no problem, just come and speak to one of the tutors.

Exam Board Specification