Introduction
Welcome to the A-Level Art & Design web page. We pride ourselves on offering a very personalised course at A-Level that builds on your skills and interests, but also exposes you to new ways of working and thinking about art & design.
Please click on our link to see examples of students' work from the past and read about the course below. |
SummaryExam Board | AQA
Qualification | A-level Length | 2 Years Full Time Specification | 7202 Exam Title | Fine Art How is the course structured?Foundation Course
During the first two terms of the course, you will complete a foundation course that introduces you to working in different media and learning new processes in the following areas:
We start with a series of workshops modelled around big ideas that give you a critical and contextual understanding of the world of art and design. This is designed to support you gain a broader understanding of whether you see yourself as a fine artist or designer and the type of work you like to made and themes/concepts you want to explore. Art & Architecture We recognise that many students are interested in architecture. For this reason, we focus on the interrelationship between art and architecture during the Spring term of our Foundation course. We collaborate with architects and offer an introduction to the different pathways available after turning 18. Component 1 | Personal Investigation (60%) In the Summer term, you will start your Component 1 Personal Investigation, which requires you to specialise within an area of study and narrow down. You can choose between a selection of areas of study that are determined by the exam board. This choice is broad enough to allow you to work with most media, including photography/film. We will advise you on the best pathway based on your work to date, which takes place through one-to-one tutorials and group critiques (known as 'crits'). In year 13, your ideas and the quality of your work should become more refined. Your Component 1 is made up of two essential elements:
Component 2 | Exam Project (40%) In the Spring Term of your second year, you will be given an examination paper, similar to that at GCSE level, where you will have a list of starting point/title options to respond to. This will culminate with a 15-hour exam period, essentially a long workshop over two days, that marks the end of your A-Level. Is this course right for me?![]() Students on our A-level course are naturally curious and excited by the prospect of studying an interdisciplinary course that draws on both design and fine art based practice with an increasing interest in exploring new media/technology. You will specialise in an area of study after an initial period of experimentation. If this appeals to you, then it is definitely a great course to study.
If you would like more information or to speak to us or past students, then please get in touch. Why not come and visit us during our open evening? It takes place usually after the autumn half term holiday around the start of November each academic year. However, please check with the Six21 site in the first instance as dates change. We look forward to hearing from you. |
Why study Art and Design?Every successful company knows that creative thinking and good design are important factors in running a world-changing business. In the 21st century job market, your creativity isn’t just a way of exploring your artistic interests, it can also open the door to exciting career opportunities. Art & design is one of the few subjects that is so focused on the creative process and our A-level offers the flexibility to tailor content around your personal interests and motivations. If you enjoy project-based learning and working towards a visual/practical outcome that you have crafted and refined over a period of time, then this course will give you the skills and knowledge to develop as a creative practitioner.
What makes our course special?Achievement
Since 2019 when our set of students graduated, we have had 84% Real World Partnerships
![]() At School 21, we believe strongly in giving students direct experience with industry professionals and organisations and have a dedicated in-house partnerships team, which is unique to our school. In art & design, we have a number of partners that have and want to continue working with us, providing opportunities for students to take part in workshops and provide advice.
Since opening, the art & design department has given students the opportunity to experience workshops and projects with Tate Exchange, PDP London, RIBA, Matt & Fiona, The House of Illustration, Creative Dimension Trust, The Royal Academy of Arts, UAL, Bow Arts, Hawkins Brown and Makerversity. In 2020, our students were commissioned by Publicworks, a civic action arts group to produce giant head masks for an installation at the Venice Biennale. We are often approached by organisations keen to work with students, especially since Stratford is undergoing a large regeneration programme with universities like the London College of Fashion and UCL's new campus moving into the area. Below are some examples of workshops our A-Level students have had in the past. Enrichment |Trips and Events
We believe students should experience art and design beyond the classroom by visiting exhibitions, galleries, and participating in workshops. Our school values these opportunities and encourages both school-organised and self-organised trips. Regular visits to exhibitions, alone or with friends, are also encouraged as part of your artistic journey.
Curriculum Design | Breadth and Depth
We start with a Foundation course to help identify your strengths and interests in art and design, accommodating varied backgrounds. This approach encourages openness to new experiences and informs your future decisions.
Our assessments include exhibitions to simulate the artist's experience. Regular critiques, reflection, and developing oracy skills—speaking and presenting in various contexts—are also emphasised. Personalisation | One-to-one Tutorials
A-level is a time to refine your personal interests and skills. We focus on one-to-one tutorials and personalised projects within your specialism. Small class sizes allow us to tailor the curriculum, leading to diverse project themes and outcomes reflecting our students' varied backgrounds. Facilities | Interdisciplinary Ways of Working
![]() At School/Six 21, we do not separate art and design technology, but consider them interdisciplinary. One of the benefits of this is that you have access to a range of facilities: From our 3D Making workshop specialising in woodwork, sculpture and ceramics to our Digital Media Studio with a suite of Mac computers with creative software, a photographic studio, laser-cutter, 3D printer, etc. We also have multi-functional space which can be used for any number of processes from print-making, textiles to painting. To view our facilities, please visit our Makerspace page.
Furthermore, we are always open to students working during their independent periods and after school in the Makerspace and encourage you to develop a strong working culture that makes use of the space and facilities. Progression | Higher Education & Careers
We support your next educational or career steps by helping you develop a portfolio for future interviews. Our Partnerships team connects you with relevant businesses and universities. All students pursuing post-18 Art & Design have advanced to undergraduate or apprenticeship programs. Visit our website's Progression section for more information on post-A-Level steps. |