ProspectusIntroduction
Our aim is to encourage and promote the enjoyment, discipline and confidence that good art teaching brings by enabling our students to produce a wide range of artwork and experience the work of other artists and designers. The National Curriculum and its attainment target of "Knowledge, Skills and Understanding" in Art forms the basis of our students’ experience at Key Stage 3. At Key Stage 4 all students follow the AQA Unendorsed syllabus for Art and Design. Our AS and 
A2 level students follow the AQA syllabus for Art.
Curriculum
- An exciting range of creative and analytical work covered.
- Educational visits at KS4 and KS5 to broaden our students’ experience of Art and Design.
- Extra-curricular art clubs for KS3, KS4 and KS5.
Examples of projects undertaken are as follows:
| Key Stage 3 | GCSE | Advanced Subsidiary/ Advanced Level |
|---|---|---|
|
|
Students are given a range of startup points to develop with emphasis on observational drawing and mixed media. |
Advanced Subsidiary/Advanced Level
Course Aims
The courses are designed to:
- satisfy the requirements of the Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced GCE;
- provide a solid basis for students wishing to study for one of the many careers related to this subject;
- promote creativity, innovation and effective personal responses;
- develop imagination, feeling and sensitivity;
- develop an understanding of the relationship of art and design to communication skills.
Entry Requirements
It is desirable that students should have obtained at least a grade B in GCSE Art. Students joining The Downs Sixth Form should be prepared to present a portfolio of work. The most important qualities students should bring to this course are high levels of enthusiasm, interest and self-motivation.
Course Content
Throughout the one and two year courses students are encouraged to work with a variety of media, i.e. different painting and drawing media, textiles, printing techniques and three dimensional construction in various materials. Students are expected to keep a 'busy' sketchpad and to be aware of and visit as many exhibitions as possible. Critical and historical studies are an important part of both courses.'AS' and ‘A2’ Level Art are demanding and time consuming courses which offer the individual great personal satisfaction and a sense of achievement in developing their own abilities to a high degree of competence.
Assessment
| 'AS' Level | 'A2' Level |
| Unit 1 | Unit 5 or 6 |
| Unit 2 | Unit 4 |
| Unit 3 - Controlled Test | Unit 7 - Controlled Test |
| Total 50% goes to A2 Grade | Total of 50% of A2 grade |
AS Level
Research Projects - 30% Research Projects - 15%
Personal Investigation - 30% Personal Investigation - 15%
Controlled Assignment - 40% Controlled Assignment - 20%
Specialist Project - 15%
Personal Study - 15%
Controlled Test - 20%
Career and Higher Education Opportunities
Advanced Level Art is desirable for students wishing to enter an art college, technical college or university with a view to studying an art related course or subject. The ‘A/S’ and ‘A2’ GCE are also accepted by universities as entrance onto other courses.There are many career possibilities after 'A/S' and ‘A2’ level which may interest the art student - fine art, furniture design, graphic design (film, television, advertising and illustration), jewellery design, fabric/textile.
