What will you study?
Skills building
The first six months build your creative skills in drawing, painting, printmaking and sculpture, alongside the study of artists and designers from history and the contemporary period
Personal investigation
Introduced later in Year 1 and continued to January of Year 2: an in-depth project on a theme of your own choosing, developing a body of preparation work in a sketchbook that results in a final piece
Externally set assignment
From February in Year 2, a choice of projects set by AQA, a period of preparation, then a timed exam to complete a final piece
What happens outside lessons?
Outside the classroom, students can have engaged in community mural projects, attend workshops at local universities, gaining insight into creative practice, university life, and industry connections. Students have also participated in Art and Design educational visits to London and Paris, offering museum and gallery visits while helping students build independence, an essential skill for those considering studying away from home.
“I have really enjoyed Fine Art and I feel I have had great support and encouragement from my teachers, I believe my confidence has grown. I particularly like the way that you can explore and develop your own ideas and you are encouraged to be really ambitious; you just have to be prepared to work hard.”
Where can Fine art take you?
Many students do decide that they would like to continue with their art studies at a higher level and there are several progression routes available to you. The usual route is to study a Foundation Diploma Course before applying to do Art and Design at degree level and we would recommend that students follow this line. However, we have had students who have applied directly to universities from A Level and many have been successful in obtaining places. Some of the students who studied this course at Prior Pursglove College progressed on to: Cambridge (Architecture), Nottingham
What subjects go well with Fine art?
A level Art and design pairs well with subjects that build creativity, critical thinking, and spatial awareness. Strong combinations include Photography, Graphic communication, 3D Design, Film studies, English literature, Sociology, Classics, and History. Drama and Media studies support creative‑industry pathways, while Mathematics and Physics are ideal for Architecture.