A-Level Programme - Art & Design

A key aspect of studying art at this level is developing an awareness of how your own works relate to the work of other artists and artworks. You will be encouraged to explore the work of others in terms of media, materials and techniques and also in terms of ideas and concepts. You will develop:

• Appreciation of different approaches to recording images, such as observation, analysis, expression and imagination, understanding of pictorial space, composition, rhythm and scale.

• Appreciation of colour, line, tone, texture, shape and form. Understanding of the conventions of figurative/representational and abstract/non-representational imagery or genres and an awareness of intended audience and purpose of artworks.

• Appreciation of different ways of working, including under-painting, glazing, wash and impasto, modelling, carving, casting, constructing, assembling, etching, engraving, dry-point, mono printing, lino printing, screen printing, photo silkscreen and lithography.

• Understanding of how ideas and meanings can be conveyed and interpreted in images and artefacts within fine art.

• Knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary developments within fine art including different styles, movements and genres.

• Awareness of a broad range of artists, artwork and ideas/concepts within fine art.

• Understanding of how images and artefacts relate to social, environmental, cultural and/or ethical contexts, and to the time and place in which they were created.

• A working vocabulary and specialist terminology that is relevant to fine art.

You will need:

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and maths and, for this specific subject;

• GCSE grade 5 or above in relevant arts subject or portfolio

How long is this course?

2 years

When does this course start?

02/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

What qualification will I achieve?

AQA A-Level in Art & Design - Fine Art

How is my course assessed?

Year 1 Component 1 - Portfolio Coursework (60%)

During the first half of the year, you will develop a portfolio of artwork and supporting sketchbook that explores a variety of media, techniques and ideas.

Year 1 Component 2 - Externally Assessed Assignment (40%)

In February you will receive a question paper with a choice of five questions/themes to respond to. There will be a period of 10 hours under exam conditions towards the end of the year.

Year 2 Component 1 - Personal Investigation (60%)

During the first half of the year you will develop a personal investigation supported by a written project.

Year 2 Component 2 - Externally Set Assignment (40%)

In February you will receive a question paper with a choice of eight questions/themes to respond to. There will be a period of 15 hours under exam conditions at the end of the year.