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Art & Design (Fine Art)

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Art & Design (Fine Art) A Level

Students will explore a variety of approaches and take risks in a safe, creative and supportive working environment. We cover a range of techniques and processes such as drawing, digital, photographic, and 3D painting, and in some instances stitch and moving image.

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 four hours homework or independent study and attend specialist workshops.

Year One

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

Year Two

In the second year, students undertake an assessed coursework project that involves producing both a portfolio of practical work and a related written study. These assessments form 60% of the final A Level grade. This is then followed by an externally set project worth 40% where students undertake a 15 hour practical exam.

Topics Covered

  • Drawing and Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Mixed Media
  • Photography
  • Studying Artists from Different Times and Cultures

Resources and facilities

At the start of the course students are required to purchase a Department kit of materials; though the Department will provide most of the materials needed to produce the 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 both local and national galleries, including residential trips to London in the second year, Bristol, and Oxford and local visits in the first year.

You are required to see first hand the artworks chosen for your written related study in the second year. 

What can you do after the course?

Many students progress to art foundation courses at various art colleges/universities and then on to a wide range of specialist art degree courses.

These include graphics, fine art, illustration, jewellery, printmaking, textiles/surface pattern, photography, fashion, interior design, ceramic design, animation, architecture and many others.

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.

Art, Media and Photography End of Year Show 2022

Nora talks about Art at Hereford Sixth Form College