A-Level Art (Edexcel 9FA0)

Course Overview

This course is for students who love art, and who want to develop their intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive powers, alongside aesthetic understanding and critical judgement.

Students will learn to understand the interrelationships between art and design and develop an awareness of the contexts in which they operate. You will also increase knowledge and understanding from both contemporary and the historical viewpoints. Complementary subjects include textiles, design technology, as well as humanity subjects such as English Literature or history. Many students go on to art foundation courses before pursuing art-related courses at university or the world of work.

Drawing & Processes

  • Develop ideas from sketches to finished work, using both traditional and digital tools.
  • Experiment with materials and techniques, including emerging technologies.

Context & Practice

  • Explore influences from history, contemporary art, architecture, literature, music, and nature.
  • Understand key concepts like representation, abstraction, and audience response.
  • Consider sustainability and collaborative ways of working.

Disciplines in Fine Art
Students will be required to work in one or more of the disciplines to communicate their ideas:

  • Painting & Drawing – explore colour, materials, tools, and mixed-media combinations.
  • Printmaking – screen printing, intaglio, relief processes.
  • Sculpture – 3D work using modelling, carving, construction, and modern methods like 3D printing.
  • Lens-based Media – photography, film, video, animation, installation, and editing techniques.

“From the beginning of A-level Art, I feel not only have I grown in technical ability, but thanks to the guidance and support of our teachers I have grown in confidence and developed skills I can apply in everyday life.”

St Ivo Student

Course Code: 9FA0

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • Five 5’s including English and 4+ in maths
  • If art studied at GCSE grade 5+

Exam Board: Edexcel

Assessment

The A-level course consists of two components, both teacher assessed and externally moderated.

Component 1: Personal Investigation – 60%

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment – 40%

There will be opportunities to visit galleries locally and further afield.

Choosing your post-16 options is an important decision, and St Ivo Academy Sixth Form is here to guide you. Applications are welcome from students in St Ives and beyond via the MyChoice16 platform.

Step-by-step application process

  1. Log in to your MyChoice16 account.
  2. Select ‘My Applications’. To start a new application, click ‘Start a new Application’; to continue an existing one, click ‘Continue’ next to your application.
  3. Complete all sections of your Profile Template if this is your first application. For additional applications, only ‘Course Choices’ needs to be completed.
  4. Qualifications will be uploaded by the school—this section can be skipped. Your form tutor will add a reference.
  5. Complete any remaining fields or checkboxes. Click ‘Send Application’ to submit.
  6. Your application status will update (eg. Sent, Schools Hold). The school will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements, and you may be asked to discuss it with a teacher.
  7. Monitor your application regularly and respond promptly to any notifications.
  8. All applicants will be invited to an interview before a provisional offer is made.

  • Architecture
  • Art History / Art Criticism
  • Art Conservation & Restoration
  • Museum & Gallery Curation
  • Teaching / Lecturing in Art & Design
  • Design Disciplines (e.g. product, fashion, interior, graphic design)
  • Further Education

Lucy Kingsbury – Lucy.Kingsbury@astreastivo.org

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