A-level Art & Design

Art & Design

The WJEC Eduqas A-level exam is a demanding course and students must be prepared to work hard in order to cover the Portfolio component in their first year and a further two components of work in the second year. It is recommended that students taking the Art & Design AS and A-level should have studied Art at GCSE and achieved a Grade 5/6 or equivalent.

Students must have a genuine interest in and a commitment to the subject. Students need to spend considerable time outside formal lessons researching, developing ideas and producing studies. Homework is set weekly and regular deadlines are set. There is a written element to the course, so students should be prepared to analyse and evaluate their own work, and those of the artists they study.

Students will choose a topic of personal interest for AS Component 1: Coursework Portfolio – Personal Creative Enquiry.

The emphasis of this component will be on the development of the understanding of various materials, processes and techniques. Students will produce a portfolio (a sketchbook) of work over the year which supports their Final Piece; the outcome of their investigations. Both the portfolio of work and the Final Piece are assessed for the overall grade.

Where does it lead?

A-level Art is a valued subject as an entrance qualification for UK universities. It is important for those hoping to follow degree courses in either Fine or Applied Arts including courses in painting, printmaking, sculpture, graphic design including advertising, scientific and technical illustration, information graphics and print technology, three- dimensional design including industrial design, furniture design, ceramics, interior design, theatre design, fashion and textiles, film, photography and television.

Art is also valuable for a number of indirectly related careers such as Architecture, Museum Work, Arts Administration, Exhibition Research and Teaching as well as preparing students for vocational practical courses after A-levels.