Art & Design


Exam Board

Additional Entry Requirements

5 in Mathematics required
5 in English Language required
6 in Art required (if taken at GCSE)
NB. Electronic portfolio of work required to judge suitability if Art not being taken at GCSE

Course Content

Why art & design?
 
A level art and design provides a fantastic opportunity for students to explore their creative talents. One in every six jobs in the UK held by graduates is in the creative economy, showing the importance of art as a subject.
 
Art students at Woodhouse develop their creativity and produce a diverse range of creative work. Essential skills in drawing, painting, print, 3D, problem-solving, research, critical analysis, experimenting and presentation are all a part of the course. Many of these skills are transferable across other subjects and are highly valuable in all areas of education and work.
 
More than 50% of art students progress onto creative courses such as architecture, history of art, animation, and art and design foundation. This includes institutions such as UCL (the Bartlett School of Architecture), the Courtauld Institute of Art, Central Saint Martins and many others. Many art students also progress onto non-art-related degree courses.
 
Course content
 
The course centres mostly on fine-art approaches and in year one you will explore techniques from a variety of stimuli while completing practical projects. This will include man-made and natural forms, the human figure, landscape, architecture and other starting points.
 
Your art skills and techniques will develop through taught workshops and research. You will learn to analyse the work of well-known artists and develop personal themes, producing final outcomes that show your skills and ideas. These can be in the form of sculptures, paintings, mixed-media work, textiles, ceramics and other forms.
 
In year two, students have the opportunity to develop their own project ideas using all the skills acquired in year one.
 
 
Mark Scheme
 
Coursework - 60%
 
Personal investigation
 
  • Students produce a portfolio of work over a number of weeks including supporting work and final piece - 72 marks
  • This will also include a written personal study of 1,000 to 3,000 words - 18 marks
Exam - 15 hours - 40%
 
Externally set assignment
 
  • Students produce a portfolio of work over many weeks, then produce an unaided piece of work in a timed exam
 
 
MIA
Haberdashers' Aske's School for Girls
 
"In lessons, teachers allow you to work independently and do your own thing at the same time as giving incredible help and advice. Art lessons are never boring! At Woodhouse, you get to try out loads of new media and techniques which really broaden your art skills.
 
I came to Woodhouse to experience what it's like to have more independence - it is like a steppingstone between secondary school and the real world/university, and I think this is really helpful. But teachers here still offer so much support and motivation. There will always be someone to turn to if you have any problems and everyone is so friendly.
 
As you are only surrounded with people the same age as you, I feel like you are encouraged to mature and shape your own identity.
 
I have always loved art and my experience at Woodhouse has made me want to study Fine Art at university."
 
 
 
LUCY
East Barnet School
 
"I enjoy the variety and excitement of my art lessons. My teachers are passionate about guiding me in my project, and I am grateful to have so much creative freedom.
 
I chose to study art because I love expressing my ideas creatively and bringing together ideas into a final piece. I am applying for art foundation and can definitely see myself pursuing a career in the creative industry.
 
I chose to come to Woodhouse because I felt that a new environment would challenge me and present opportunities (socially and academically) that my secondary school couldn’t. I like the independent, friendly atmosphere and feel supported and encouraged in my A levels and future prospects.
 
I have made meaningful friendships and grown as a person at Woodhouse."


My Woodhouse
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