Entry Requirements

Any Art & Design GCSE Grade 4 or a Technology GCSE Grade 4 including Resistant Materials, Product Design, Graphics Products, Textiles or equivalent. If you haven’t studied Art, no problem, just come and speak to one of the tutors.

Exam Board Specification

What you will study

  • Develop practical skills in photography, Photoshop, drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, sculpture and ceramics
  • Research and analyse both historical and contemporary artists
  • Experiment and take risks with a range of media
  • Solve creative problems and communicate ideas effectively
  • Produce ambitious outcomes that reflect your interests, passions and career aspirations
Student painting on a canvas using blues and purple paints

Assessment

Component 1 – Personal Investigation (60% of A Level grade)

This component is a practical investigation supported by an extended essay. You will develop a personal project based on an idea, issue, concept, or theme of your choice, demonstrating both creative and critical understanding.

Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment (40% of A Level grade) 

For this component, you will produce practical work in response to one of eight starting points provided on the AQA exam paper. Following the preparatory period, you will create an outcome within 15 hours under supervised exam conditions.

Further Information

2025 Results

  • A* – B: 96%
  • A* – C: 100%

Course Support

  • Engaging lessons delivered by experienced and supportive staff
  • Additional tutorials, including one-to-one support with individual targets
  • Access to specialist facilities and materials
  • Guidance with university and apprenticeship applications, including portfolio building, workshops, and mock interviews
  • High Achievers+ Programme
  • An open studio space to support independent study

Enrichment Activities

  • Opportunities to participate in local and national competitions, as well as live design briefs
  • Chances to exhibit your artwork in galleries and online
  • Workshops led by artists and industry professionals
  • Life drawing classes to develop observational skills
  • Trips to galleries, events, and universities

Progression

Many students progress to our UAL Art Foundation course before securing places at prestigious universities, including Central Saint Martins, Goldsmiths, the Ruskin School of Art, the University of Edinburgh, and Falmouth University, among others.

A-Level Fine Art can lead to a wide range of creative careers, such as: architect, illustrator, graphic designer, animator, art director, photographer, fashion designer, printmaker, sculptor, gallery curator, art therapist, concept artist, interior designer, set or costume designer, and many others.

More Information

Follow the Fine Art Instagram account to see examples of student work – @carmelcollegefineart

Entry Requirements

Any Art & Design GCSE Grade 4 or a Technology GCSE Grade 4 including Resistant Materials, Product Design, Graphics Products, Textiles or equivalent. If you haven’t studied Art, no problem, just come and speak to one of the tutors.

Exam Board Specification