Fine Art

Any A Level subjects can be combined. A Levels can also be studied alongside a BTEC Level 3 Certificate.

The A Level Fine Art course is designed to foster a deep appreciation and understanding of art, providing students with the opportunity to explore a range of artistic mediums and techniques. Students will engage in both practical and theoretical studies, developing their own creative style while learning about the historical and cultural significance of art. The curriculum encourages experimentation and innovation, allowing for personal expression and the development of a unique artistic voice.

You will learn how to explore and express your ideas visually, verbally and in written form. Sketchbooks are used extensively to record research and the development of your ideas throughout projects. An experimental approach to the use of media, materials and ideas is encouraged.

This course is ideal if you are passionate about the arts and want to develop your own practice and understanding of the arts.

Most of the work is practical and studio/workshop based. There may also be whole class discussions and lectures on the more theoretical aspects of the course. Your lecturer(s) will work closely with you and you will be encouraged, as the course progresses, to develop your own individual interests. Your work will be assessed informally throughout the course. A final grade is determined by an externally moderated, end of course assessment of the portfolio unit, and the Externally Set Assignment unit for each of the two levels. A high level of motivation is required for the exploration of your chosen theme, development of your skill level within your individual journey.

What topics will I study?

Drawing, painting, printmaking and three-dimensional work are the main areas of study in Fine Art. Theme based projects and assignments are set within which you can develop your practical skills and creative thinking. A typical project will include drawing, the use of a range of mediums and the conceptual expansion of ideas.

Researching and referring to the work of other artists is an important element of the course. You will be given guidance in the study of relevant artists and movements.

The development of your own work requires you to analyse and evaluate your research, practical studies and final outcomes. The emphasis is very much on enabling you to express and refine your own individual response to a theme, through increasingly personal and independent work. You will be required to produce two substantial units of work: a portfolio of coursework, and another which incorporates an externally set assignment, for each level of the qualification, AS and A Level.

You will:

• Be part of a thriving art faculty, in our own creative building
• Develop your practical drawing skills together with painting, printmaking, 3D and more experimental work
• Learn how to investigate and explore themes and ideas through the work of past and contemporary artists
• Learn how to express your ideas visually, verbally and in writing

There will be opportunities to visit local and national galleries, both contemporary and historical. A trip to Barcelona is planned during the first term.

This course goes particularly well with Photography, English Literature, History, Politics, Music, Media Studies, Film and Video or other arts/performing arts subjects.

Future Steps:  You could progress onto a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and then onto a Fine Art Foundation Degree here at Exeter College. This qualification is well respected by leading universities, it provides an excellent grounding for further study in art and design and supports degree level entry for many other subject areas. Future job roles might include artist, printmaker, museum/gallery curator, illustrator, designer, merchandising, jeweller or concept artist/game designer.

You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths. This subject requires a grade 6 or above in GCSE Art or a related subject. If you are not taking Art GCSE, you will be required to demonstrate a significant passion for drawing and the arts through the presentation of a portfolio of work.

The Art and Design Faculty has numerous art studios, a print workshop, a ceramics workshop, a 3D workshop, photographic darkrooms, fashion and textile workspace, IT rooms with industry standard software eg: Photoshop, Flash, Motion, Stop Motion Pro and Final Cut Pro software on PCs and Macs.

£35 – to cover access to enhanced equipment and facilities; some materials and supplies. Resource fees can be paid at or immediately after enrolment in late August via the college’s online payment system Wisepay, which can be accessed on our website here: exe-coll.ac.uk/pay