Art, Craft & Design

Why study this subject?

Art, Craft, and Design equips you with the skills to create personal and imaginative work. You can specialise in various processes and media, aligning with your interests and abilities, leading to careers in fields like portrait painting, fashion design, or architecture. If you're adventurous, creative, and eager to shape the visual world, there are many career opportunities available for you.

What can you expect from this A level?

At A level in year 12, you will explore Graphic Communication, Fine Art, Photography, and Textiles. Component 1 accounts for 60% of your A level marks whilst Component 2 makes up the remaining 40%.

What can you do with a qualification in this subject?

Having an A level in a creative subject is an essential starting point for students who wish to follow an art and design career path, but also hugely valuable for those who might not.

Assessment

The 2 components are assessed on the evidence in your Portfolio and sketch books.

The marks you get for each component are assessed and provide your final grade for the A level.

Modules / Topics

Component 1

You will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by written material of 1000-3000 words.

Component 2

You will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points. This will be an externally set assignment (15 hour supervised time).

Trips / Visits / Enrichment

Trips, Visits & Enrichment

Art students benefit from a wide range of visits, workshops and industry-linked enrichment opportunities designed to develop creative skills, build portfolios and explore progression routes into higher education and creative careers.

Visits & Workshops

Sep 26 - Northern Print Workshop - Free
Take part in a specialist screen-printing workshop led by professional artists, helping Year 13 students develop new practical techniques and creative approaches.

Dec 26 - Creative London Trip - £200 Approx.
Visit world-renowned cultural institutions including the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Design Museum, with opportunities to explore exhibitions, creative industries and university progression pathways.

Feb/Mar 27 - Newcastle College University Centre (NCUC) - Free
Discover creative degree opportunities through a visit to the Mandela Building, gaining insight into higher education options within the creative sector.

Date TBC - Northumbria University - Free
Explore Fashion and Fashion Marketing courses through specialist workshops and taster activities, providing valuable insight into university-level study.

Date TBC - Northern School of Art - Free
Learn how to build and present a strong creative portfolio through expert guidance from higher education specialists.

Multiple Dates - Photography Workshops - Free
Develop photography skills and support project work through practical workshops and photographic walks around Newcastle city centre.

Guest Speakers & Progression Talks

Throughout the year, students have access to a variety of visiting speakers, university representatives and creative professionals who provide guidance on progression opportunities, careers and higher education.

Recent guest speakers and workshops include:

• Northern School of Art - Nov 26
• Teesside University - Nov 26
• Leeds Beckett University - Nov 26
• University of the Arts London (UAL) - Multiple Dates
• Newcastle University - Multiple Dates

These sessions include portfolio advice, career guidance, university application support and practical creative workshops designed to help students plan their next steps.