Art and Design

Interest and achievement in Art and Design is at an all time high.  All AS/A2 girls received full marks, with ten out of the twelve being commended by the Examination Board for gaining marks within the top five in the UK.

Art, Design Technology and Ceramics are all offered at Wycombe and the work produced is frequently of a very high standard with girls regularly finishing in the top ten in the country at A level.

Girls may pursue the three subjects academically or as an extra intertest, either way they will have plenty of opportunities to express themselves creatively

Art, Ceramics, Cookery, Textiles and Design and Technology are an integral part of the curriculum for the younger girls; many choose to pursue these subjects to GCSE and Advanced level, or as a hobby

All are taught in specialist areas which provide opportunities for working in a wide variety of media, including clay, wood and metal. There are also facilities for computer-aided design and digital imaging

 Activities range from traditional drawing and painting in a wide range of media to much more conceptual mixed media work.  It is embedded in virtually every aspect of the subject whether it be for Internet research or digital manipulation and photography.

Art AS Level

The Advanced Subsidiary has been designed to improve progression from GCSE to Advanced Level.  Although a GCSE qualification is not a requirement, the new AS will build on the skills acquired at GCSE during such a course.  Candidates wishing to proceed to A2 must complete AS Level first.  The standard will be that of a candidate halfway through a full advanced course.

Content of the course:

The course comprises three units.

Unit 1 

30% of the total marks.  Candidates will follow the unendorsed option.

Unit 2

30% of the total marks.  A further unit of coursework in the chosen option.

Unit 3

40% of the total marks.  Controlled Test.  A range of questions will be set.  Four weeks will be allowed for preparation.  Candidates will have five hours to produce developmental work.  Each candidate will mount an exhibition of her work in the gallery.

Outline A2 course

Unit 4:             Coursework

 A unit of coursework in any media of your choice.

Unit 5:             Personal Study

A written study, which includes graphics, on any aspect of Art and Design.

 Unit 6:             Controlled Test

One piece of work is required.  Preparation takes place over a month and the execution over fifteen hours.

Areas of study:

You will be set a range of briefs or prompts to which you will respond in the widest possible way.  These initial briefs will be underpinned by observational drawing, but this will be seen very much as a jumping off point to start you on your own work. You will have experience of a wide range of techniques and processes including painting (oil, acrylic, gouache and watercolour) through to printing (monoprints, silkscreen and various etching techniques).  You will have the opportunity to attend Life Drawing Classes.  Candidates are encouraged to take responsibility for their own direction and areas of interest as soon as possible.

Click here to view work by our current Wycombe students.