So the student at Hurtwood House may find himself or herself studying landscape from the surrounding countryside, or perhaps going to London to draw as well as study at the tremendously diverse range of museums and art galleries that are available. Our aim is to give all our pupils a sound basic education in Art, so that they are able to take A-Level in their stride and be fully prepared for the next part of their careers. Our students gain admission to major Art Colleges and Universities both in the United Kingdom and abroad.

The Art Department is housed in an idyllic location. Set in the hayloft of a converted Victorian stable-block the studio recreates something of the atmosphere of a Parisian atelier. It is perhaps rather small for what has become a particularly popular subject at Hurtwood, but it has a wonderfully cosy and creative atmosphere. An artist needs to be inspired by his surroundings and the studio provides a lively and vibrant atmosphere for lessons.

How Art is taught at Hurtwood

It has often been said that if Art is a language then drawing is its grammar. This is a view that we definitely share at Hurtwood, where the emphasis is placed on the essential skills of painting and drawing. Over and over students draw from observation, and then they take these observations and turn them into explosions of colour, collages of related ideas, or screen prints of unique abstractions

The Art A-level course is demanding. Students are required to spend much time on preparatory studies, as they need to be able to explain the thoughts and ideas behind their drawings or paintings. Visits to galleries and exhibitions are an important and enjoyable part of the course, and trips to the Barbican, the Tate Gallery, the Royal Academy, the National Gallery, Florence and Amsterdam are an essential part of the curriculum.

The Art Studios are very much a centre of creativity and self-expression, and they have an “open house” policy that allows students to work there during afternoons and activities. Life classes are held every week and exhibitions of work are regular and popular features of the school year. An artist needs to be inspired by his surroundings, and the Department provides a lively and vibrant atmosphere for lessons.

Specification

The A-level examination is based on six units. These will be:

Unit 1 – Thematic enquiry

Unit 2 – Expressive study

Unit 3 – Externally set assignment

Unit 4 – Contextual study

Unit 5 – Problem-solving

Unit 6 – Externally set assignment - exam

 

What skills do I need?

It is not always easy to know if you have the ability to be a successful A-level artist. Obviously, a good GCSE pass and an enthusiasm for the subject are useful pointers, but Art teachers often feel that “gut feeling” is the best gauge of artistic ability, and sometimes this is not realised until the student has started the course. It is a subject that will suit you if you think you have individual creativity, and you are able to express this in your work. You should also have an independence and determination to put in long hours on projects that demand a high level of commitment.

After A-level

Students studying Art and Design at A-level have a choice of two routes into Higher Education. The normal route is by taking a one-year Foundation Course, which would be on offer at Art School. The other route is by applying through UCAS to a University for a History of Art or Design and Visual Arts course. There is also the option at many Universities to combine Art with other subjects in a modular degree programme.

Students intending to take an Art and Design course would be well advised to visit Universities and colleges who have exhibitions of work on display, and who are also willing to talk to prospective applicants about their courses.

Portfolios of student work

Whichever route of application you decide on, you will need to prepare a portfolio of your work. In fact most courses accept applicants mainly on the basis of the portfolio that is presented. Portfolios should not only include school projects, but also items of work done by you on your own initiative, such as sketches, drawings and notebooks on subjects that you are especially interested in. Art Schools require 25 A1 sheets of work in a portfolio.

Suggested reading and preliminary study

The Story of Modern Art – Norbert Lynton
The Story of Art - E H Gombrich
Twentieth Century Ornament – Jonathan M Woodham

If you are thinking of studying Art and Design at A-level you are recommended to start a personal sketch book, visit art galleries, use a camera and experiment with composition through a view finder.