Art (Fine Art) A Level

The General entry requirements for A Level courses are six GCSEs grades 9-4, including a Grade 4 and above in this subject.

If you do not have a GCSE in Art & Design, a strong portfolio of work that demonstrates an appropriate ability is acceptable on interview. This will allow us to diagnose the appropriate course and level for you.

We require students to buy an Art kit upon arrival to the department at a cost of 25 this will include sketchbooks/paper, paints, pens and pencils, brushes, colour digital printing, stencils and mount board/foam board for exhibition purposes. The department provides all other specialist materials that may be used.

This is a 2-Year Linear course

Year 12 & Year13: Component 1: Personal Investigation Unit (60% of overall grade).

Year 13: Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of overall grade).

The A-Level qualification is assessed against four main criteria: 

A01: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding. 

A02: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops. 

A03: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress. 

A04: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements. 

Students who wish to pursue Art & Design beyond A-Level can progress directly to degree-level study or progress onto a Foundation Diploma before moving into Higher Education. The latter remains the preferred route into many creative degree courses as it provides students with a stronger foundation of knowledge, understanding and skill before progressing to the full degree.

Each year, Art & Design students apply to a wide range of specialisms, including Fine Art, Graphic Design, Animation, Architecture, Product Design, Engineering, Fashion Design, Textile Design, Surface Pattern, Photography, Fashion Promotion and Styling, Marketing, and Computer Games Design. We are proud to have a 100% success rate in students securing places on either art foundation diplomas or undergraduate degree courses.

The department has built strong links with leading arts universities, supporting students to gain places at prestigious institutions such as University of the Arts London Colleges (Central Saint Martins, CCW, LCC LCF), The Royal Drawing School, Ravensbourne, Middlesex, and further afield in Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Newcastle and more.

"The thing I love about being at St Charles College is the flexibility of the space given in Art and Photography. With free periods the control is put in our own hands, which allows for more free flowing minds to flourish."

"There are a lot of benefits and enjoyment had in studying A-Level Art at St Charles, where one of the best opportunities has been to go on trips where we can explore art throughout the years. We get to learn new techniques, and we are allowed to experiment both with art and be ourselves."

"My experience of studying in the Art department has been very positive and also enjoyable. I was really impressed with the guidance and support the teachers offer the students in order to achieve high grades. The support was also available after school, and sometimes on Saturdays. I would recommend the Art Department, as the teachers have a lot of experience and will guide students on the right path to get the best possible grade."

"I enjoy studying in the Art Department. The teachers are great, and our lessons are fun and enjoyable. In studying Art for 2 years I have been able to build my confidence in my work, with the support from all the staff in the department. I would recommend the Art Department to others because it's a great place to build up your self-confidence. I have made great friends through our shared love of art. My Art class has become like family."

Students joining us at St Charles will benefit from the use of large, well-lit studio spaces to work in, along with industry standard Mac Suites, and facilities which include a Laser-cutter, Kiln, Heat-press, Screen-printing Suite and a newly installed Photography Dark-room. As part of the curriculum student's studies are enhanced by termly trips and visits, along with industry led talks and the opportunity to partake in work placements.

See more of our student work, and hear what students have to say about us by visiting our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages:

https://www.facebook.com/stcharlesart
https://www.instagram.com/stcharlesart
https://twitter.com/stcharlesart

The Art & Photography Department comprises of 4 teachers and 1 specialist technician. Each with expertise in a broad range of techniques and processes, the department staff have studied and worked at a number of prestigious institutions including Central Saint Martins, Chelsea College of Art, Edinburgh College of Art, London College of Fashion and The Royal College of Art. 

Department staff continue to engage with contemporary art and design and develop their own practice. This includes explorations of the following areas: ceramics, photography, jewellery design, fine art, illustration, graphic design, product design, interior accessories and games design. 

If you have any questions regarding the courses within Art & Photography, please contact:

Head of Art & Photography
Claire Hemsley
chm@stcharles.ac.uk

Head of Creative Arts Faculty
Lena Abbas
Lab@stcharles.ac.uk 

0208 968 7755  Ext. 224