Art and Design – Fine Art or Graphic Design

Exam Board: OCR

Head of Department: Mr C G Nicol

Am I suited to this course?

Entry requirements: Most students will have completed and passed GCSE Art & Design. Alternatively you may apply for the course with a portfolio of artwork that displays some sound drawing and painting skills.

What will we study?

The Fine Art and Graphics courses give students the opportunity to express their ideas and responses to the visual environment. Students are expected not only to observe the world but also by recording, to engage with it and in responding, comment on it. The course includes printmaking and painting techniques, and digital imaging and encourages students to apply these in a creative way. It will be advantageous to attend Art trips to London or Paris. The OCR course is structured as follows:

How is the course structured?

AS - Two units

Unit one: Coursework Portfolio (30% of A-level)

This is based on a given theme, which is used as a vehicle for a range of experimental work using a variety of mark making processes. Looking at other artists' and designer' work, students will explore, research and acquire techniques and skills.

Unit two: Controlled Assignment (20% of A-level)

This is based on an externally set question paper from which candidates will choose one starting point and develop a response, which shows evidence of three elements:

  1. Planning
  2. Preparation
  3. Realisation(s)/Outcome(s)

A2 - Two units

Unit three: Personal Investigation (30% of A-level)

Candidates will use personal starting points to produce a major project that shows evidence of:

  1. Planning and preparation
  2. A related personal study (between 1000 and 3000 words)
  3. Final pieces that show considered personal responses.

Unit four: Controlled Assignment A2 (20% of A-level)

This is based on an externally set question paper from which candidates will choose one starting point and develop a response, which shows an ability to prepare, plan, relate and realise a final outcome.