Art and Design - Fine Art
"Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not." - Pablo Picasso
The AQA Fine Art course at King Edward’s offers a step up from GCSE into a world where you will experiment and try new ways of working, hopefully to broaden your approach to the subject. This might be through our life drawing classes or simply working on a scale never attempted before.
The Lower Sixth course is experimental in design and leads to a more specialised approach at full A Level. Flair is vital as is a willingness to try new things and a broad-minded approach to the creative process.
Entry Requirements
Grade 6 in Art if studied at GCSE.
Topics Covered
Over the two year course, students will have the opportunity to experience:
Lower Sixth
- drawing
- painting
- printmaking
- photography
This phase provides the basis for one extensive experimental project. Alongside this work, you will be expected to build up evidence of your critical awareness of the wider context of art within culture to complement and inform your practical work.
In the Upper Sixth
- Personal Investigation
- Externally-set Assignment
Methods of Assessment
Lower Sixth
During the first year of this course, you will have the opportunity to experience drawing, painting, printmaking and photography. This phase provides the basis for one extensive experimental project.
Alongside this work, you will be expected to build up evidence of your critical awareness of the wider context of art within culture to complement and inform your practical work.
Upper Sixth
Personal Investigation (worth 60%)
This is a practical investigation, supported by written material. Students are required to conduct a practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme, supported by written material. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or a series of related finished outcomes.
The aim is to produce a significant ‘body of work’ such as you might produce for a gallery exhibition.
Externally-set Assignment (worth 40%)
Students are expected to respond to an externally set range of questions.
This involves a preparation period from February and 15 hour supervised time.
Both portfolios of work are then curated by the students with help from the department in preparation for external moderation.
Other Information
Throughout the Art A Level course, students will have the opportunity to visit London galleries and masterclass talks. We also frequently invite artists into the school, to give insight into working as a professional artist.
Meet the staff
If you have a specific enquiry for the Art Department, email glp@kes.hants.sch.uk
| Mr. G.L. Piggott | Head of Creative Arts, Head of Art, Design Co-ordinator, School Photographer |
| Mrs. J Corbett | Teacher of Art |
| Mr. E.T. Lewis | Teacher of Art, Part-time |
| Mrs. N.A. Moxon | Teacher of Art, Extended Studies Co-ordinator |
| Mrs. A Kidman BA | Teacher of Art |
| Miss. E.C. White BA | Art Technician |
