The course comprises of 60% coursework with an externally set assignment in the second year consisting of an 8 week preparatory period followed by a three day exam which constitutes 40% of the final grade. Students are required to be independent and explore their own ideas inspired by the work of others. Visits to exhibitions and workshops with visiting artists take place regularly during the both years of the course. At the end of each year students work is exhibited as part of our exciting and professionally organised KS5 exhibition and fashion show.

What topics will students cover?

Year 12: Students will complete a variety of projects, all of which produce coursework evidence. At the start of the course and as part of their first project students will complete experimental workshops exploring and developing the key art and design techniques including painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, observational drawing and illustration. This is followed by a minimum of two projects for which themes change yearly in response to current design trends and exhibitions in and around London. Projects are engaging, relevant and current.

Year 13: Students develop their own individual ideas for both a practical investigation and personal study, both of which are additional coursework components. The ideas for their work evolve from their Year 12 work and personal interests in the subject. Their development is monitored through 1:1 critiques with the course tutors. Students are expected to visit exhibitions and shows independently to support them in forming their own, personal and well developed opinions about their own and others art and design work. 

Students develop a variety of core skills within 2D and 3D based media, becoming confident in record in a range of materials and methods from printmaking, mixed media and sculpture to painting and drawing. They will discover their passions and develop an individualised style and way of working.

Careers – Progression

On completion of the course, students can progress onto a variety of Art Foundation or degree courses choosing to specialise in Fine Art, Sculpture, Printmaking, Graphics, Illustration or Ceramics. During the course, students will have access to a range of career and further/higher education opportunities through which to support them in developing both their skills and routes for progression. Students are advised and supported in preparing their UCAS/College applications identifying appropriate routes and portfolio preparation.

Throughout Year 12 and 13 students will experience a variety of trips around London designed to link the themes they are studying in each unit. In recent years visits have included; Dulwich Picture Gallery, Tate Modern, The V&A Museum, The National Portrait Gallery, The Wellcome Collection and The White Cube.

Students will also work closely with a number of visiting designers and artists in workshop based lessons throughout the two-year course as well as have the opportunity to access a range of weekend, evening and summer courses and programmes through connections with a variety of FE and HE colleges in and around London.