History of Art A-level

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History of Art at Cirencester College will help learners to develop their understanding of the relationship between society and art. We will study art historical terms, concepts and issues alongside the influence of cultural, social and political factors on art and architecture. Learners will also explore developments in materials, techniques and processes of both art and architecture over time, using a rich variety of art and architectural works from across the world: Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

What will I study in History of Art A-level?

History of Art begins with a thorough grounding in the European tradition of art and architecture beginning with the architectural orders and sculptural developments of ancient Greece. Learners then go on to explore the themes of Identities and War. Art and architecture have played an important role in the expression of identity for many thousands of years; and continue to do so in more modern and instant forms such as ‘the selfie’. Works we are exposed to shape the way we understand ethnicity, nationality and gender, and our focus here would be on how both individuals and communities/nations shape and represent identities – this is a fantastically relevant topic for our modern world. A rich variety of art and architectural works from across the world: Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa will be studied in-depth across these two themes. Learners also have the opportunity to look at two time periods in depth; this will include an exploration of Renaissance Italy (from Michelangelo to Leonardo Da Vinci); and the British and French Avant-Garde.

Entry Requirements

At least 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above: including 5 from the core subjects

How will I learn?

Students will learn through varied activities designed to develop knowledge, understanding and skills. You can expect a variety of groupwork and self-led activities, as well as traditional short lectures, analysis of visual evidence (art and material culture), and close analysis of modern scholarship. Much of the reading of core texts associated with the course must be completed in your own time and in preparation for lessons.

In additon to this, trips to museums, art galleries and other relevant sites will form part of the curriculum.

How will I be assessed?

Paper 1: Visual Analysis and themes

The assessment lasts 3 hours
The assessment is out of 110 marks
This paper is worth 50% of the qualification.

Paper 2: Period studies

The assessment lasts 3 hours
The assessment is out of 110 marks
This paper is worth 50% of the qualification.

Any trips?

Proximity to world class museums such as the Ashmolean and Pitt Rivers in Oxford, and the British Museum and a variety of galleries in London will offer plenty of opportunity for discovering world art and architecture first hand.

Students will also have the opportunity to visit a European desitnation.

Are there any costs involved?

There will be some small cost for course booklets and stationery; as well as any trips students sign up to. Students in receipt of a bursary can use this to help cover trips.

FAQs

Do I need to have studied History of Art before?

Is History of Art similar to other A Level Humanities subjects?

History of Art is similar to other Humanities subjects. Students are required to read extensively and to develop essay skills. Exams are essay-based, and an understanding of the historical, political and cultural settings for the works studied is required.

Unlike most other Humanities A Levels, History of Art has a focus on visual material. Though there is a similar focus in Classical Civilisation in one of the year 2 modules.