Fine Art
One definition of fine art is “a visual art considered to have been created primarily for aesthetic and intellectual purposes and judged for its beauty and meaningfulness.
Specifically; painting, sculpture, drawing, watercolour, graphics and architecture”. Fine art is not just about painting and drawing, it can take many forms and use a wide range of materials, techniques, and processes. Many artists work explores ideas of self-expression, social or political views and explores the wider world in creative and innovative ways, do you have something to say? Then Art and Design is for you!
What is the exam board and specification?
The exam board is AQA.
What will you study?
In Component 1 and Component 2 students are required to work in one or more area(s) of fine art, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking or mixed media.
Students are required to develop knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the themes and topics being explored. Students will need to conduct effective research, analyse traditional and contemporary works and use these to inform and guide their practice and development. The creation of artwork is a journey, this must be recorded through analysis, annotation, and visual means to develop a successful portfolio. Students must also develop visual language skills to communicate personal ideas, meanings, and responses.
Component 1 consists of short, focused workshops that aim to develop the student’s fine art skills, techniques using a wide range of materials. You will also respond to and develop two sustained, independent projects based on a range of themes. Outcomes can take any form so you can really develop your own passions and interests, the possibilities are endless!
Component 2 consists of an externally set paper that is set by the exam board in January, this takes a similar structure to your coursework, building your preparation work over the course of 7 – 10 weeks and ending with a 10-hour practical exam where you will create your final piece in response to the set paper.
How will you be assessed?
The coursework portfolio is worth 60% of your overall grade and is developed over the course of the first year. The externally set paper is worth 40% of your final grade. All of the work is marked and assessed by your Arts teacher and then externally moderated by the exam board. You can find the marking criteria and weighting that is applied to all work here. Written annotation and drawing for purpose must be explicitly evidenced in both component 1 and 2.
What qualities do I need to be successful in the subject?
If you have a passion for Art, do not be persuaded to take a more ‘useful’ option – unless you want to or are good at it. If you have the ability in a creative area: grasp it and let it shine!
You need to be passionate and dedicated to the subject, successful artwork takes time. Furthermore, good problem-solving skills are key and an eye for visual communication.
What future opportunities can I have with this subject?
Due to the subject content, creative students have a well-rounded portfolio of skills this makes them more accomplished, hireable, and capable of outrivalling their peers in a wide range of professions. Many careers such as Architecture, Fashion design, Web development, CAD technician, Product designer, Advertising, Photojournalism, Illustrators or Textiles designer require or need Art and Design based skills and new data shows that the UK creative industries are growing at twice the average of the UK economy.
Who should I contact for further information?
You can contact Miss Robinson (h.robinson@kwschool.co.uk). The Student Art Guide is also very informative and has a range of information that you may find helps you explore the subject further: https://www.studentartguide.com/