Art and Design

Who does this subject?…. 

We would recommend that candidates should have acquired the skills and knowledge associated with achieving a grade C or above at GCSE art and design or an equivalent course.  It must be emphasised that this is not a requirement but is desirable.  Students wishing to apply for the course without this qualification will be considered, but must bring a portfolio of current work to their interview and be seen by the head of the department.  

Students who want to apply for various art and design courses should study this subject. Art and Design is the main subject to underpin all the other disciplines

Qualification: 
AS Level
Length: 
Level 3 one year course, 4 Periods a week
Unit 1: 

 

Students will explore drawing techniques using a variety of methods and media on a variety of scales. This is done through mono-printing, etching and appreciation of colour, tone, texture, shape and form. All students will be expected to keep sketchbooks / journals to underpin their work where appropriate.  You will explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of art, craft and design, from the past and from recent times, including European and non European examples.  This will be done through practical and critical activities, which demonstrate the candidates’ understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.  Students will be expected to use a working vocabulary and specialist terminology which is relevant to their chosen area(s) of study. 

 

Unit 2: 

The emphasis of this unit will be the development of ideas. There will be a choice of five questions to be used as starting points (students are required to select one). Sketchbooks/journals will be kept to support mounted sheets or study sheets. There will be a period of five hours within this externally set unit to be devoted to the development of ideas. This work will be completely independent and will be under exam conditions. Preparatory work may lead to a fully realised piece or pieces of two or three dimensions or to further work of a developmental nature. 

What the department specifically offers that is noteworthy...: 

 

  • In A2 students are taken on gallery visits on a regular basis and workshops have been run by professional artists and designers for the A2 students.  
  • All A2 students applying for Foundation courses are given extra support with the presentation of their portfolios and interview tasks.
  • Life drawing is offered to A2 students weekly after college.A2 students can use the facilities in the studio at anytime during their free periods.
  • A2 students are encouraged to respond to the subject on a much more personal level, they are expected to work more independently with support from the subject staff.
  • Students are given the opportunity to develop their understanding of research methods.
  • Within the whole of the art and design department specialist staff teach the relevant disciplines. All staff are very experienced and enthusiastic about the subject.
  • The art and design students have access to an extensive selection of books and journals, this is regularly updated and all books are available for loan.
  • Students also exhibit work at the MMU Schools’ Exhibition alongside university students.
  • The subject is very popular and this is reflected in student comments:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed art this year.”

 

Exam Board: 
AQA
GCSE Requirements: 
General College entry requirements. Students without Art GCSE must produce a portfolio of work