Welcome to Art at SNS Sixth Form

Art at Key Stage 5

Art at KS5 is in many ways similar to that of GCSE, with students producing a personal portfolio that represents 60% of their final grade and taking an exam that is 40% of their final grade. Over the two-year linear course, students develop their ability to appreciate the visual world and to respond in a personal and creative way. It will encourage them to:

  • Question all preconceived notions of art and personal ability.
  • Encourage them to trust their creative instincts.
  • Help them to express their ideas and feelings through the controlled use of a broad range of materials and techniques.
  • Help them to investigate and relate to all the evolutionary processes that are inherent in the development of Art, Craft and Design.
  • Encourage them to articulate issues relating to the work of other artists from a variety of cultures, past and present.

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of the total qualification) - This component allows students opportunities to generate and develop ideas, research primary and contextual sources, record practical and written observations, experiment with media and processes, and refine ideas towards producing personal resolved outcome(s). There are three major elements: Supporting Studies, Practical Work, and a Personal Study.

Supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from both given and personal starting points. We deliver structured workshops at the start of the course to build skills and confidence in the formal elements of drawing, painting, print making, digital media and sculpture. The strength of our course is linking to professional practice and the wide range of independence and creative skills that students demonstrate. We also expect students to attend exhibitions in their own time and offer the opportunity of a trip to New York during the 2 year linear course. The Personal Study will be evidenced through critical written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum 1000 words of continuous prose, which may contain integrated images.

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of the total qualification) - This represents the culmination of the A level course. This component incorporates two major elements: Preparatory studies and the 15-hour period of sustained focus. The assignment will be externally set and consist of one broad-based theme and suggested starting points. Students submit supporting studies and practical outcome(s) in response to the given theme. Supporting studies will consist of annotation, research and compiled contextual references, practical exploration of materials and techniques, recording from primary sources and developmental stages of practical work leading to refined practical outcomes.

Year 12 Art curriculum map | Year 13 Art curriculum map

Art_38.jpg