A Level Suite at Plymouth College of Art
Plymouth College of Art students have an impressive record of achievement at this level. Have a slice of success and apply now for our NEW Art Based A Levels at Plymouth College of Art.
You will study the following subjects at AS/GCE A level
- Photography – Lens & Light Based Media
- Fine Art
Plus the option to choose three of the following:
- Graphic Communication
- Textile Design
- Critical and Contextual Studies
- English Literature
(please see course descriptions by scrolling down the page)
Do you want a career you love in the Creative Industries? Have you thought about a future as an artist, designer, photographer, curator, teacher or architect?
We are delighted to announce NEW opportunities to study art-based A-Levels at the South West's only specialist Art College from September 2011.
It's all changing in Plymouth, and you don't have to stay at school to get A Levels. Instead of just one creative subject, you can take four with us! There are exciting new areas such as photography, textiles, graphic communication, and critical and contextual.
This super suite of Art-based A Levels gives you more choice to feed your independent creative talents. Aimed at students with high standards, you will have ambitions to succeed.
There are just 30 places available. Students who get a place will be in the best creative environment in the South West, at one of the few art schools in the UK.
Fantastic facilities and equipment will be available to you, with the best teaching by successful artists and designers. A fantastic community to join - unlike any other.
Those who achieve A Levels here will be guaranteed an undergraduate place at Plymouth College of Art at the end of the two years.
Once you're bitten by the bug, like many of our students, you won’t want to leave.
A Levels are accredited by OCR – Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examination Board.
Photography
The photographic image is central to contemporary art and media production. Working with a range of lens- and light-based media, including traditional dark room processes, studio lighting and digital imaging, you will be introduced to a range of specialisms and photographic styles, including documentary, landscape and fashion photography. In addition to building your visual and technical skills, you will be encouraged to assemble a portfolio of imaginative and distinctive photography.
Fine Art
You will be immersed in art and design and the energy of our artists and designers from the first day. This intensely creative course will introduce you to a range of artistic practices and techniques, including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and digital media. You will develop your understanding of formal elements such as colour, tone, texture, shape and form, and also key design principles such as composition, rhythm, scale and structure. Knowledge gained here will support and inform all your practical subjects.
Graphic Communication
Subject areas for this optional up-to-the-minute course include illustration, web design, advertising, packaging and multimedia design for print. Background study disciplines include typography, colour, images and forms across a broad range of media such as print, TV, and the Internet. Successful graphic designers understand their target audience as well as the tools of their trade. This course will give you a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to prepare you for Higher Education.
Textile Design
Textile design encompasses a wide range of styles and product areas, and because it sheds light on materials, interior design and working life it provides unusual ways to understand society and cultural history. The College has specialist making resources and staff expertise in this area to guide you. Project work will develop your skills and knowledge of printing and dyeing techniques such as transfer and screen printing of constructed textiles such as embroidery and knit, and of textiles used as a fine art medium.
Critical and Contextual Studies
Every work of art carries inside it an acknowledgment – the ‘memory’ – of everything made before it. So critical insight into movements in art and design is an essential aspect of any emerging artist or designer’s sensibility. This A Level will give you an investigation of cultural themes, including human form, landscape, the built environment, the machine age and abstraction. It includes visits to galleries and exhibitions, and your own structured research investigation.
English Literature
Our English Literature qualification emphasises creativity, disciplined thought and communication, and an ability to synthesise and contextualise ideas. You will explore a range of drama, poetry and prose, learning how to read and respond to texts critically. You will consider how attitudes and values are expressed, developing your understanding of cultural contact. Through your written assignments, you will learn to express your thoughts and to communicate fluently and effectively. These essential skills will be invaluable to you as you progress in Higher Education.
