Christleton High School Students

Stepping Up From GCSE To A-Level Fine Art

Stepping Up From GCSE To A-Level Fine Art

(Posted on 21/11/22)

 The step up from GCSE work to A-LEVEL can be a demanding one, yet it isn't something you as a year 11 or new year 12 student should fear.

In Art GCSE we are introduced to a world of new media in which we can use to create anything from design sheets to final pieces; that you may not have had the opportunity to use in KS3. However, the jump to A-Level opens up a whole new wide range of opportunities for media and tools in which you are able to use.

The foundation period is the first few months in Art A-level in which you will experiment with new tools and create new art you have never created before. For example, in our A-Level class, we have been given the opportunity to experiment in different types of printing e.g. linocut and etching, as well as quilling!

This is something I never would have been able to try if it wasn't for choosing A-Level Art.

Here is what some of our classmates had to say about their transition so far into A-Level Art:

“I felt a bit nervous before starting A Level Fine Art because of the workload but also excited to try new things and techniques.”

- Evie Bebbington

A common feeling shared amongst many of our peers. We get great opportunities to try new things whilst also getting help from our teachers, pacing our journey and helping us with the workload, to which we will be able to become more independent throughout our A-Level journey.

“I chose A-level Fine Art due to my love for the subject & desire to study art further on in life. By doing fine art at GCSE I already had knowledge and enjoyment for art and so knew I would choose it for A-level also.”

- Amy McDonell

A passion for Art shared amongst our classmates creates an innovative atmosphere that led to us opting for Art A-Level. Especially if you have a love for art or took it and achieved highly at GCSE, we would all recommend Art A-Level to you. Your passion can be shared within the classroom and help you achieve the highest grade possible at A-Level.

“I look forward to my lessons and learning new skills that I can use not just in the classroom but elsewhere too. My lessons are enjoyable and allow me to enhance a majority of my time which I greatly appreciate.”

- Tom Hellam

A-Level subjects shouldn’t be something that you dislike, if you are passionate and enjoy the subject you will start to appreciate the lesson time and look forward to your lessons, similarly to how Tom feels!

Teachers at A-Level are also “Fun”, “Supportive” and “Enthusiastic” creating an amazing working space which makes the transition from GCSE to A-Level so much easier and more enjoyable!

- Abbie Sixsmith and Leah Pierce, Year 12


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