AS and A Level Qualification in Art and Design
The WJEC AS and A level specification in Art and Design has been designed to provide engaging and innovative creative learning experiences, where art, craft and design practice is meaningfully integrated with theoretical knowledge and understanding.
This specification provides learners with opportunities to develop a broad foundation of critical, practical and theoretical skills at AS, which offers learners a holistic understanding of a range of practices and contexts in the visual arts, crafts and design fields, culminating in greater specialism and achievement at A level.
We offer two subjects as follows:
Art, Craft and Design
This is a broad-based course that provides flexibility in content and approach. Learners can choose this option if they want to explore and create work associated with more than one endorsed title. Learners opting for Art, Craft and Design should explore practical and critical/contextual work through a range of 2D and/or 3D processes and media throughout the earlier stages of their Personal Creative Enquiry and Personal Investigation. The final resolution of their exploratory work can either be selected from 2D and/or 3D processes and media (combining disciplines from more than one endorsed title) or comprise processes and media associated with a single endorsed title.
Similarly, in Unit 3, the Externally Set Assignment, learners can choose to produce work in the preparatory study and sustained focus periods which reflects either more than one endorsed title or one endorsed title.
All work submitted for Units 1, 2 and 3, as with all endorsed titles, will be assessed holistically in relation to the four assessment objectives, taking account of the breadth and depth of the evidence presented.
Learners may explore overlapping areas and/or combinations of disciplines from the areas below:
- Fine Art
- Critical and Contextual Studies
- Textile Design
- Graphic Communication
- Three-Dimensional Design
- Photography.
Art and Design (Photography)
Possible areas of study include:
- photographing people
- photographing places
- still-life photography
- documentary photography
- photojournalism
- experimental imagery
- photographic installation
- fashion photography
- digital imaging
- moving image (video, film, animation)
AS and A Level Qualification in Drama
Drama is designed for students with a keen interest in acting, directing and performing. The course is designed for students who want a deeper understanding of drama and are interested in studying plays, looking at the work of influential theatre practitioners, analysing live theatre performance and creating performance work of their own. The course is evenly balanced between practical work and academic study. Progress throughout the course is assessed through a series of regular essays and practical assignments. It is recommended that students have previous experience in the subject, preferably at GCSE level but this is not essential. Participation in school plays and extra-curricular drama is desirable.
What will I learn?
The course is split into 4 units. There are 2 on the AS course and 2 on the A2 course.
AS Unit 1: Theatre Workshop. Non-exam assessment: internally assessed, externally moderated 24% of qualification
AS Unit 2: Text in Theatre. Written examination: 1 hour 30 minutes 16% of qualification
A2 Unit 3: Text in Action. Non-exam assessment: externally assessed by a visiting examiner 36% of qualification
A2 Unit 4: Text in Performance. Written examination: 2 hours 24% of qualification
How will I be assessed?
AS level is assessed through an internally assessed, externally moderated workshop.
A2 assessment involves a practical performance to a visiting examiner and a written paper
How will I learn?
The AS course starts with a whirlwind introduction to all key acting styles of the looking at Stanislavski, Littlewood, Mitchell, Artaud and Brecht. We then practically explore a set text in preparation for a written exam in the summer term. A2 begins with a group performance piece, focusing on both devised and scripted performances using a contrasting style in each performance.. You will work on an interpretation of a chosen play and then perform to an examiner in the spring term.
What next?
Drama is an excellent subject for developing communication skills and group work. An A level in Drama shows that you are a team player and can rise to a challenge which is a desirable skill to employers. Many of our students have gone on to university to study Drama and /or Acting and others have obtained places at specialist Drama Schools. The course is a good preparation for students who would like to pursue a career in the arts and complements subjects such as Media Studies, English, Film Studies and Music.
Several former students have opted to take a degree in Drama and Theatre Studies at Cardiff, Bristol, Newport and Carmarthen Universities. One recent student has moved into directing and set up his own theatre company.
Music Year 12: AS Level
Pupils are required to perform for between 6-8 minutes at a grade 5 standard.
Pupils are required to produce a portfolio of two original works, one of which must be in response to a brief set by WJEC. Portfolios must be between 3-6 minutes in length and include audio recordings, written scores and a log-book.
A listening exam will focus on the Western Classical Tradition, specifically Mozart’s ‘Requiem’ and Religious Choral Music and Musical Theatre works by Cole Porter, Richard Rogers, Claude Michel Schonberg and Andrew Lloyd-Webber.
Music Year 13: A Level
Pupils are required to perform for between 8-10 minutes at a grade 6 standard.
Pupils are required to produce a portfolio of two original works, one of which must be in response to a brief set by WJEC. Portfolios must be between 3-6 minutes in length and include audio recordings, written scores and a log-book.
A listening exam will focus on the Western Classical Tradition, specifically Verdi’s ‘Requiem’ and Religious Choral Music, Impressionist works by Debussy and Ravel and Musical Theatre works by Stephen Sondheim and Stephen Schwartz.