Art
See a gallery of A2 Art and Photography work
What is Art A level about?
Art & Design is a creative – and demanding – course. Involving both practical work and critical appreciation, the A level is one that is well respected by universities in the UK and abroad.
At d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form, we have a dynamic and individual-centred approach to Art A level – one that emphasises flexibility and creativity. Although technique is a vital element of the course, we are above all interested in allowing you to develop your own artistic style and opinions – your own voice.
What does the course consist of?
The AS
- Unit 1 is a 'Coursework Portfolio', which consists of practical-based work and a critical study based on artists or themes in art
- Unit 2 is a practically based timed exam
The A2
- Unit 3 combines practical work with a critical study based on artists or themes in art
- Unit 4 is a practically based timed exam
Whom does the subject suit?
If you are already aiming to apply to Art school or work as an artist, you are likely already to be interested in – and suited to – Art A level. You will find that the course offers plenty of opportunity to hone your skills and develop as an artist.
The course is not, however, solely suitable for aspiring career artists; it could make an excellent addition to your A level programme, whatever your ambitions may be. Art may broaden the scope of an otherwise primarily essay-based or scientific selection of subjects.
Your Art GCSE grade is probably the best indication of your ability to pursue the A level – but we may also take students into the AS course on the strength of their ability to demonstrate interest in art & design and motivation to develop their skills.
How is Art taught at d'Overbroeck's?
We aim to provide a flexible and creative environment for making art – both in terms of the atmosphere of the department and the facilities we offer.
By providing you with access to facilities and teaching across a broad range of media and artistic disciplines, we'll allow you to determine the directions you take, rather than prescribing a set medium or discipline.
Accordingly, we have a good range of facilities for drawing, painting, printmaking and ceramics. Art students may also access the Photography department's darkroom to make traditional black and white prints, for instance, or use the department's fashion and textiles resources. We also have a G4 Mac computer for digital work with Photoshop and iMovie.
We put on regular life-classes to help students develop work direct from observation.
We regularly visit museums and galleries in Oxford and London to allow students to see original art by great artists at first hand.
Perhaps the most significant quality of the Art A Level course is the high degree of freedom you'll be afforded in terms of your choice of themes and the ways in which you can develop your art. Class sizes in Upper and Lower 6th never go above eight students, so it is easy to devise and monitor individual programmes of study. Our students seem to appreciate this approach and it has brought them considerable exam success.
Who will teach me?
Nick Reeves is Head of Department. Other members of the teaching staff include Sharon Wyper, who has recently completed an MA in Fine Art at Central St Martins, and Louise Arnould, who specialises in Fashion, Textiles & Printmaking.
What might the subject lead onto?
Students frequently go on to take up places on foundation courses at top UK Art schools. In recent years, for instance, students have been offered places at Central St Martins, Chelsea, Wimbledon, Camberwell, LCC, Kingston, Bristol, Bournemouth, Falmouth and Oxford Brookes.
We also provide expert advice in portfolio preparation for applications to architecture degree courses.
Of course, though, by no means all of our Art students pursue further education or careers in Art, and many study the subject at A level before going on to specialise in other areas.