The Art and Design courses at Beckmead College equip students with the skills to enjoy, produce and engage with the visual arts at college and beyond. Art is delivered at an introductory level through the Bronze and Silver Arts Award courses; as a GCSE subject and also as an AS and A Level qualification. The subject provides opportunities for students to explore both contemporary and historical sources of art, craft and design, and encourages them to learn about the visual language of art.
Students are encouraged to experiment with a wide range of media, techniques and processes and to take an individual approach to their own art-making through generating ideas, recognising their strengths and selecting the most appropriate ways to move forward.
Progression through the different levels is smooth and each course builds upon the skills of the last.
Art, Craft and Design is an immensely valuable subject as it develops transferable skills. Students will learn to:
apply a creative approach to problem-solving
consider and develop original ideas from initiation to realisation
analyse critically their own work and the work of others
express individual thoughts and choices confidently
take risks, experiment and learn from mistakes
Students who are not planning to take any formal qualifications in art but who wish to ‘dip their toes in the water’ and have a go at an art project just for their enjoyment and leisure are also welcome to do so.
Qualifications that are taught:
Pearsons AS-Level
Pearsons GCSE
Trinity Arts Award Gold, Silver and Bronze