Courses

Art (Fine Art)

Course Description

This is the course for you if you want to express yourself in creative way. You will be asked to show us your interests and experiences in a range of different materials. If you enjoy the challenge of creating exciting and innovative art, Fine Art is for you. You will explore a range of traditional and alternative approaches, processes and techniques in a wide and varied range of media and materials. We’ll show you the skills and then help you realise your intentions.

Entry Requirements

Students studying three A Levels will be expected to have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 6 and three GCSEs at grade 5/4, including English Language and Mathematics at grade 5/4 or above. Or eight GCSEs at a minimum of grade 5.

Features of the Course

Fine Art is not created for purely aesthetic expression, communication or contemplation. It is about challenging the mundane; it is about rising above the banality of everyday life and opening your eyes to a whole new visual language, a whole new way of seeing. It’s emotive, a powerful tool that allows the artist to explore specific feelings of joy, sorrow, angst, outrage, tranquillity, pleasure, pain and exhilaration. This course requires commitment, passion and intellect with a fundamental ability to inspire and a desire to alter and challenge perception. It is a discipline that requires highly developed techniques and skills which leads to the development of distinctively personal and recognisable practice and style. You must be able to work confidently and creatively in a wide range of media in order to complete this course successfully. You will develop your skills from drawing to video making, using a topic that inspires you. You will be asked to experiment with different media and then refine your skills to showcase your ability and understanding.

You will be actively encouraged to experiment with media and materials to embrace your work whilst reflecting upon your process, application and progress. Fine Art practise fuels and stretches creativity however, these practical skills are hugely enhanced by contextual awareness and understanding. This understanding of how specific artists and artworks effect, challenge or reflect upon the human condition and our global society fundamentally underpins your creative practise. You will learn how to set out and make the most exquisite visual statements you can create, while exploring, exploiting and experimenting with a vast array of media and materials.

Assessment

Component one: Personal Investigation (60% of the final grade) throughout the first year and into December of the second year.

Component two: Externally set assignment (40% of final grade) runs from February to May of the second year.

Both components are internally assessed and externally moderated. You will also present a portfolio and an exhibition of your work covering both components which is internally assessed and externally moderated.

Exam Board: WJEC

Enrichment and Work Experience

There is an expectation that students will complete a one-week work placement in the summer term. Throughout the academic year there will be several day trips to galleries, artist studios and city visits to gather and practise your observation recording techniques. Some will be enriching, but for those that are compulsory, travel costs will be met by The Sixth Form. Workshops take place each Wednesday afternoon and they cover all areas of art and design to further develop your creative making skills and broaden your knowledge of art and design.

Additional Information

To support your studies, you will be required to purchase relevant materials, this will include: soft pastels, coloured and black and white, watercolours, ink, pencils, fine liner, masking tape, glue stick and a A2 plastic portfolio.

Links With Other Subjects

Fine Art links well with Photography, Art, Craft & Design, Graphic Design, Media and Film Studies.

Future Career Opportunities

Many students go on to study art and design at pre-degree foundation level or a BA degree. Further study and career opportunities include: game designers, concept art creator, FX designer, 3D design, teaching, architecture and museum or gallery curator, artist as well as wider opportunities in creative industries including fashion and advertising.

Why study at The Sixth Form Bolton?

Throughout your time at The Sixth Form, you will build up an innovative and exciting portfolio of work which will support you in progressing onto university or the world of work. We have excellent progression rates to higher education and well-established links with prestigious universities.