Hereford Sixth Form College

Art & Design (Fine Art) A Level

The Art & Design course includes drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, photography and studying the work of artists from different times and cultures.

The endorsement for this course is in Fine Art.

What does the course involve?

This is a specialist course in Fine Art completed over two years.

You will have four lessons each week and, in addition, you are required to do a further three hours homework or independent study.

Year One

During the first year the emphasis is upon developing practical skills through a tutor led series of projects. This is in preparation for the individual specialist projects in the second year.

Year Two

In the second year you will undertake an assessed coursework project that involves producing both a portfolio of practical work and a written related study. These two parts count for 60% of the total A Level mark.

The remaining 40% of the marks are from the Externally Set Task (examination). Preparation for this starts in January and leads to a 15 hour exam.

Resources and facilities

You will need to buy a Department Kit of materials, although the department will supply most of what you need to create your own work.
Support materials are provided.
You are also expected to have access to a digital camera, iPod, iPhone or similar, capable of being used with downloadable apps.

Trips

There are occasional trips to local and national galleries.
For second year students there is a five day study visit abroad which takes place in June or July.

What can you do after the course?

Many of our students progress to Art Foundation courses at art college or university and then on to a wide range of specialist art degree courses.

Hereford College of Art offers a bursary to students who successfully apply to degree level courses at HCA.

Students' work

You can get a good idea of the range and scope of the Art course by visiting one of the College Open Events or the Summer Exhibition of A Level work.