Fine Art

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above

GCSE English Language or English Literature at grade 4 or above

GCSE Art or another creative art subject at grade 4 or above (essential)

GCSE Maths at grade 3 or above

Year 1: You’ll focus on developing core Fine Art skills through a series of projects designed to build confidence and technical ability. You’ll explore a wide range of techniques, processes and materials through experimentation before applying these skills in increasingly independent ways. Year 2: You’ll complete two units of work, choosing your own areas of study with guidance from Fine Art staff. You’ll explore your chosen theme, idea or issue in depth and are encouraged to take an experimental, innovative and enquiring approach. You’ll also complete a related written study of 1,000–3,000 words as part of your personal investigation. Skills developed: Creative and visual communication

Independent working and time management

Problem solving and experimentation

Critical analysis and reflection

Portfolio development and presentation :

You’ll be given a thorough grounding in core skills through practical experimentation across a wide variety of media. Teaching includes studio‑based learning, demonstrations, independent work, 1:1 tutorials, group critiques and peer assessment.

In Year 2, focused studio time allows you to explore ideas in depth, plan effectively and produce final outcomes with ongoing teacher support.

Assessment is entirely coursework‑based and includes practical work, sketchbooks and written elements. You’ll receive continual support through regular feedback, reflection and critical analysis of your work.

Students are expected to complete a minimum of 4.5 hours of independent study per week outside of lessons to support progress.

Specialist Fine Art studios

Access to a wide range of materials and media

1:1 studio tutorials and critique spaces

Opportunities to exhibit work in a public end‑of‑year Creative Arts exhibition

Studio kit fee of £142.10 - this kit has all the essentials needed to complete the course and must be purchased before the start of the course.

Bursary support covers the cost of this kit

Additional costs for specialist materials or printing depending on individual projects

Trip costs are the responsibility of the student

Fine Art may be taken alongside other creative subjects such as Photography, Graphic Communication or Textile Design. However, students should carefully consider workload, as creative subjects are highly practical and time‑intensive. Students can do a maximum of two creative subjects.

Your Personal Tutor and subject teachers will help you choose a subject combination that is manageable, balanced and appropriate for your future goals.

Fine Art A Level supports progression into a range of creative and academic pathways. Many students progress to:

Art and Design degrees (Fine Art, Illustration, Graphic Design, Fashion, Architecture)

Art Foundation courses

Creative apprenticeships

The portfolio developed during the course plays an important role in supporting university and course applications, as well as creative progression beyond college.

Trips and visiting speakers are organised throughout the year to inspire students and broaden their understanding of Fine Art and creative practice.