Fine Art

In Fine Art you are given the freedom to develop your own ideas based on your personal experiences and interests. At the same time you will gain a thorough understanding of the theory and practice of art using a range of different media, techniques and processes. The course also introduces you to the historical and cultural context in which art is produced, and provides ample opportunities for visiting galleries and museums at home and abroad.

Exam Board: Edexcel

Coursework: Continuous portfolio development (60%) with a terminal examination (40%), externally moderated

The AS-level

Unit 1: Coursework Project (30%)

‘Nature and Abstraction’ provides the overall theme for this part of the course, starting with an intensive programme of direct observational drawing to boost confidence and technical skills. Thereafter you are free to develop your own individual project selected from one of the big themes in Fine Art – still life, landscape, portrait, human body and abstraction.

Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment (20%)

During the spring term the Examination Board sets a themed assignment – recent examples include ‘Habitation’, ‘Icons’ and ‘Sanctuary’ – which provides the focus for the second part of the AS course. Sketchbook research produced during the field trip leads to the eight-hour controlled test in April. Work from both units will form your final submission for the AS course, presented as an exhibition in the Art Block in June. The AS course can be taken on its own without going on to A2, in which case Unit 1 counts for 60% and Unit 2 for 40%.

The A2-level

Unit 3: Coursework Project (30%)
You are free to develop your own individual programme of study in consultation with your teacher. You will build on procedures started in Unit 1, but greater importance is given to critical and contextual understanding, and to more sophisticated use of media and techniques. Running in parallel to your main area of activity is a season of life drawing.

Unit 4: Externally set assignment (20%)

Similar procedure to Unit 2, though in greater depth. Recent themes have included ‘Objects and Objectivity’, ‘Illusion and Reality’ and ‘Discord’ – which are developed during the field trip leading to the 12-hour controlled test in April. Work from both units will form your final submission for the A2 course, presented as an exhibition in the Art Block in June.

Gallery visits and field trips

We make regular use of the excellent local museums in Cambridge, and visit the major galleries and museums in London including the National and Tate. The highlight of the academic year is the Art and Language field trip to a major cultural centre. In recent years we have visited Florence, Madrid, Venice, Rome and Istanbul.

One-year course

It is possible, with dedication and hard work, to take AS and A2 in one year. Transfers from different schools and exam boards after AS are also possible. Do contact us for advice.
Background needed Interest in art, plus some ability in drawing and painting.

Suitable combinations

Fine Art complements any combination of subjects.

After A-level

A-level Fine Art often leads on to a one-year Foundation Studies course at art college or university. Staff will help you with mock interviews and portfolio preparation, hand-tailored to the house style of each institution. Foundation provides an intensive introduction to a wide range of disciplines, enabling you to make an informed decision as to what you want to specialise in at degree level. This might be in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Computer Assisted Design, Fashion and Textiles, or Film and Television.