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Case studyShnai
Case study
I have chosen Fine Art as it is a great way to express yourself. All the tools and materials in the Art department are diverse and exciting, particularly as they weren't accessible in secondary school. You are also exposed to many new techniques in tonal drawing and painting; I have learnt so many new things during the short amount of time I have been here. Art here is diverse and there is no limit to what you can do, I don't want the course to come to an end!
I have chosen Fine Art as it is a great way to express yourself. All the tools and materials in the Art department are diverse and exciting, particularly as they weren’t accessible in secondary school.
Fine Art (A Level)

Assessment
- Year 1
100% coursework, 1 component - Year 2
100% coursework, 2 components - Exam board
OCR - Specific entry requirements
A minimum grade 4 in an Art subject at GCSE is required. Exceptions may be made for able students who can supply a portfolio of work at enrolment.
What Will You Learn?
Love to draw? Paint? Sketch? Almost everything you see around you will likely have been mocked up on paper
prior to starting production, from trainers to buildings, the artists involved have been able to accurately convey
a vision to make a dream a reality.
Fine Art will allow you to develop your skills as an artist. Through experimenting with a variety of traditional and digital techniques, you will flex your creativity through projects designed to develop your creative expression and demonstrate your confidence as an artist. Our Fine Art students progress to a variety of destinations and careers, including illustration, graphic design, animation, fashion design, storyboarding, architecture and engineering.
Modules
Year 1
Introductory Project
You will produce practical work (drawing and painting), based on themes such as natural forms, architecture and portraits. You will develop ideas, explore a range of media and techniques and look at artists to help you inform your work.
Component 1: Personal Investigation
Spring Term
You will work through a project based on one of the themes from the introductory project. You will choose either natural forms, architecture or portraits and use it as a starting point. You will develop your ideas through drawing and painting, leading to a final outcome.. This component is worth 100% of your first year grade.
Year 2
Component 1: Portfolio
This is a personal investigation component, which consists of coursework and is worth 60% of the A level grade. After researching artists, you will produce practical work, through drawing and painting, leading to a final outcome. It must be supported by written work of between 1000 and 3000 words.
Component 2: Externally Set Task
This is a component which is set by the exam board and it is worth 40% of the overall A level grade. You will have a choice of eight questions and choose one as a starting point. You will again develop your ideas through drawing and painting, leading to a final outcome. You will have 15 hours of supervised time to complete your final piece.
Special Features
- As part of our large art department you'll be taught Fine Art by a subject specialist, ensuring you get individualised support and guidance to progress and improve your work.
- Exhibit your work with opportunities to contribute to our Arts Festival, College and National art competitions, and develop your profile as an artist with our Social Media enrichment course.
- Bring your lessons to life with a range of opportunities to develop your understanding and apply your knowledge further, including external speakers, university links, and a variety of day trips.
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Each year, OSFC hosts a special showcase of the arts. An opportunity for students to highlight their pieces that they have been working on, ahead of examination. The aim of the event is to celebrate the work of students across creative subjects and enrichment activities. This is a multimedia showcase of all our art subjects, including paintings, digital works, sculpture, dance & musical performance, visual art pieces, creative writing, spoken word and more. It is a great opportunity for students to understand how a gallery is arranged and curated, as well as an opportunity for parents to see what their children have been working on. This is a free event to ensure that all in our community can enjoy the arts.
Where Will This Lead?
Fine Art is a highly regarded subject by all employers and universities. The Fine Art A Level helps you develop your creative skills and attention to detail and is ideal for careers and HE courses in all areas of design, cultural studies, media, architecture and engineering.