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CURRICULUM INTENT & VISION
At Avanti House School, we envision a dynamic and inclusive art program that inspires every student to explore their unique creativity and express themselves through diverse artistic mediums. Our goal is to foster an environment where artistic exploration fuels personal growth, spirituality, enhances critical thinking, and builds a strong sense of empathy and cultural awareness.
THE AVANTI WAY
Art at Avanti House School allows all our learners to practice, explore and perfect the avanti way through an engaging, fun and thought-provoking curriculum designed to nourish and embed in all areas of their lives.
EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Enhanced Cognitive Skills: Students are taught how to explore their cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and critical thinking.
Interdisciplinary Learning: Students make connections with multiple subjects, such as history, literature, and geography, providing a broader educational experience and reinforcing learning in other areas.
Improved Focus and Discipline: Students engage in creative tasks that improve their
concentration and practice which translate into enhanced focus and discipline.
Motivation and Engagement: Creative tasks are engaging and enjoyable, which lead to increased student motivation and a positive attitude toward learning.
CHARACTER FORMATION
Self-Discipline: Students learn about perseverance and patience.
Empathy: Students explore different perspectives and emotions, fostering empathy and understanding for others.
Creativity and Problem-Solving: Students are encouraged to think creatively and innovatively to problem-solve which allows them to approach challenges with a fresh perspective.
Confidence: Students build self-esteem and confidence in their abilities and their unique voice.
SPIRITUAL INSIGHT
Self-Reflection: Students explore and understand their own beliefs, values, and emotions as well as those of other artists.
Connection to Others: Art activities and discussions address universal themes and human experiences, promoting a sense of connection to something far greater than oneself.
Mindfulness and Presence: Students work in a calm, tranquil, safe space which promotes
mindfulness and being present which contributes to spiritual growth and inner peace.
Exploration of Meaning: Students explore the work of other artists which allow discussion for meaning, purpose, and the nature of existence in a way that resonates personally.
COURSE CONTENT
The AQA A Level Art and Design course is structured to allow students to explore a range of creative skills, techniques, and concepts. It runs over two years and is divided into two main components:
Components:
Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of A Level)
Time Frame: Runs through Year 12 and into Year 13.
Content:
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This is a self-directed project where students choose a theme, subject, or area of interest to explore in-depth.
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It involves practical work such as drawing, painting, printing, sculpture, photography and digital work and includes a written element.
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The written element is an extended essay of around 1,000–3,000 words, where students critically analyse their own work and that of other artists, connecting theory with their practice.
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The practical work and written component are assessed as a whole, reflecting the student’s development and research.
Component 2 : Externally Set Assignment (40% of A Level)
Time Frame: Set by AQA in Year 13 (typically from February).
Content:
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AQA provides a list of starting points, from which students choose one to base their final project.
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This involves a preparatory period (several weeks) where students research, develop ideas, and produce preparatory studies.
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It concludes in a 15-hour supervised exam, where students create their final piece(s) based on their preparation.
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Both the preparation work and final exam piece are assessed together.
Year 12 & 13 course outline
Year 12 (Lower Sixth)
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Introduction to techniques and media: Students experiment with various materials, media, and techniques to build their skills.
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Development of personal investigation: By the second half of Year 12, students begin working on their Personal Investigation, exploring a theme of their choice.
Year 13 ( Upper Sixth)
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Completion of Personal Investigation: Students refine their project and produce a final outcome along with the extended essay.
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Externally Set Assignment (ESA): Students receive the exam paper in February and begin preparatory work, leading to the final 15-hour exam.
ASSESSMENT AND FEEDBACK
Marking Criteria: Students are assessed on four key objectives for both component 1 and component 2:
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AO1: Develop ideas through sustained investigations and in-depth research.
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AO2: Refine work by selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques, and processes.
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AO3: Record ideas and observations through drawing, photography, or other media.
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AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realizes intentions, and demonstrates understanding of visual language.
The Art department use verbal feedback, formative assessment and feedback, and summative assessment and feedback to provide a complete evaluation of students’ artistic abilities and thought process. Students are observed during class activities and practical sessions to offer support and guidance in order to enhance their skillset and idea development. The two areas below are closely scrutinised to mark against the AQA marking criteria.
Ongoing Work: sketchbook review of creative journeys, experiments, discoveries and insights to see how the student has developed a given theme.
Final Pieces: completed artworks for technical skill and creative execution.
HOW PARENETS CAN HELP
Provide a Creative Space
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Ensure your child has a comfortable, well-lit space to work on art projects. A designated area with art supplies and minimal distractions can enhance their productivity
Encourage Exploration and Creativity
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Encourage your child to experiment with new materials, techniques, and styles. Being supportive of their creative exploration, even when it doesn’t result in a “perfect” outcome, fosters confidence in them
Offer Constructive Feedback (but don’t critique too much)
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Show interest in their work by asking questions like “What inspired this?” or “What techniques did you use?” Offering positive, encouraging feedback helps build their confidence. Avoid over-critiquing unless they specifically ask for it.
Provide Access to Resources
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Help your child access necessary art supplies and materials. Encourage visits to galleries, museums, and art exhibitions, either locally or online, for inspiration and research.
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Introduce them to books, magazines, or online resources related to art such as Tate and Google Arts & Culture.
Support Time Management and Deadlines
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Help your child manage their time, especially as they balance coursework and deadlines. Encourage them to break down large projects into smaller tasks and help create a schedule for completing work well before deadlines.
Be Open to Their Artistic Vision
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Understand that the artistic process can be very personal. Be open-minded about the themes and subjects they choose to explore, even if it’s something unconventional or abstract.
Encourage Regular Sketching and Practice
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Encourage your child to keep a sketchbook and draw regularly. Sketching is an essential part of developing ideas and skills for their projects. It’s also a great way to record visual inspiration.
By creating a supportive and encouraging environment, parents can play a crucial role in their child’s success and enjoyment of A Level Art.
HOME LEARNING & ONLINE RESOURCE
Here is a list of valuable online resources for A Level Art students, providing inspiration, research
materials, and practical guidance:
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Explore modern and contemporary art, artist biographies, and techniques.
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Access high-resolution images of famous artworks, virtual museum tours, and art history resources.
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Learn about modern art movements, artists, and historical context.
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Discover visual inspiration, trends, and techniques by creating curated art boards.
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Find contemporary artists and artworks, with articles and information on exhibitions.
BBC Bitesize
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A comprehensive revision tool offering guidance on A Level Art techniques and project work.
MoMA Learning
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Free learning resources and activities on modern art and art-making techniques.
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Watch art tutorials, drawing guides, and artist interviews (channels like Proko, The Art Assignment).
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Access articles, interviews, and art exhibition resources from the UK's leading art institution.
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Study art history in depth, covering key movements and artists in art history.
These resources provide an excellent mix of inspiration, practical tutorials, and academic support for A Level Art students.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES
Extracurricular activities in the art subject offer our students additional opportunities to explore their creativity, develop their skills, and engage with the arts outside of regular class time.
Here are some of the extracurricular options we offer at Avanti house School:
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Art Clubs and Societies:
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Art Competitions and Exhibitions:
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Workshops and Masterclasses:
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Art Trips and Field Visits:
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Community Art Projects:
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Art Mentoring Programs:
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Art-Based Volunteering:
These extracurricular activities help our students to enhance their artistic skills, gain practical experience, and build a portfolio of work while adopting a deeper appreciation for the arts.
FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES
A career in the arts can be diverse, varying from traditional visual arts, performing arts, media, and more. Here are some key career paths our students can pursue within the arts:
Graphic Designer, Fashion Designer, Interior Designer,
Illustrator, Digital Designer, Art Director, Product Designer, Animator Fine Artist (Painter/Sculptor), Art Teacher or Lecturer.
These careers often allow for creative freedom and flexibility, whether through freelance work or roles in established companies.
