A Level Art & Design

The Pearson Edexcel A Level Fine Art course is designed to develop students’ creative, practical and critical skills through an ambitious programme of study. Students build knowledge and understanding of Fine Art practice by exploring a wide range of approaches to drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture, installation and digital processes, while developing confidence in the use of materials, techniques and visual language. The course encourages students to investigate ideas in depth, refine their work through experimentation, and produce personal outcomes that show imagination, technical control and informed decision-making. It also places strong emphasis on contextual research, analysis of artists’ work and reflective evaluation, helping students to understand how ideas connect to wider artistic practice. The A Level is assessed through two components: a Personal Investigation worth 60% of the qualification and an Externally Set Assignment worth 40%.
Fine Art is traditionally associated with painting and drawing, but this course offers opportunities to work across a much broader range of media and processes. You will explore drawing, painting, printmaking, 2D and 3D methods, mixed media, installation, surface exploration and selected digital approaches where appropriate. Through workshops, practical projects and themed starting points, you will be encouraged to develop as an independent and ambitious creative thinker, able to interpret ideas in personal and original ways. Underpinning your work will be the development of essential observational and analytical drawing

skills, alongside the study of a broad range of historical and contemporary artists. You will learn how to generate ideas, record observations, experiment with materials, review and refine your work, and present a resolved final outcome. The course supports both technical growth and personal expression, helping you to develop the confidence, resilience and visual communication skills needed for further study in art and design.
Entry requirements for A Level courses

· Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Mathematics.

· A strong interest in and enthusiasm for, the subject chosen.

· A willingness to commit to regular Independent Study outside of lesson time, as A Level courses require a high level of motivation, organisation and academic commitment.

· An interview and portfolio may be required as part of the application process.

Please note: some courses have additional entry requirements.
The course is assessed through two components completed over two years.

· Component 1: Personal Investigation – 60% This is a practical investigation supported by written material. Students develop a personal theme, explore relevant artists and ideas, experiment with media and techniques, and produce a final body of work that demonstrates the creative journey from initial research to resolved outcomes.

· Component 2: Externally Set Assignment – 40% Students respond to a choice of starting points set by Pearson and complete a preparatory period followed by a timed final outcome.

Work is assessed against the four assessment objectives: developing ideas, refining work through experimentation, recording observations and insights, and presenting a personal and meaningful response. Grades awarded are A–E*.
This qualification helps students develop a wide range of transferable skills valued in both creative and non-creative careers, including visual communication, independent thinking, problem-solving, research, experimentation and project development. Students may go on to careers in areas such as:

· Fine Art and studio practice

· Illustration and design

· Photography

· Printmaking

· Set and exhibition design

· Fashion and textiles

· Creative direction and media

· Arts education and community arts

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