History of Art is a Lower Sixth AS course leading to an A level course in the Upper Sixth. This subject is an excellent complement to Art & Design students and any student hoping to study architecture at university. In addition, it combines well with any other subject in the sixth form curriculum.

History if Art is unlike anything else; that's what makes it so special. However, it can best be described as any of the following:

"Detective work from visual images…similar to English Literature appreciation…writing creative English, exercising your powers of description and vocabulary…a feast for the eyes, fuel for the imagination, fodder for the mind."

Lower sixth
Comprising of 2 units: unit one centres on, “Analysis and Interpretation”, unit 2 “Themes in the History of Art”. The course is taught through discussions and a variety of written activities centred around slide shows, with an emphasis on cultivating excellent powers of research, and written and verbal critical analysis of works of art, from primary and secondary sources. The course involves visits to art galleries and museums in this country and abroad which encourages the development of independent learning skills. In addition students are expected to initiate gallery visits and research.

Upper sixth
Comprising of 2 units: unit one centres on, “Art in Europe during the Renaissance”, unit 2 “Art in Paris 1900-1945”. Students will develop the skills acquired at AS level and specialise in two artistic movements. The emphasis is on class discussions, written assignments and gallery visits.

Trips
There are visits to permanent and temporary art collections in and around London throughout the course. There is an annual visit to Paris with the Art & Design students. There will also be a trip to Florence for the A2 group.

This is an exam based qualification; students will sit two AS exams and two A2 exams; both in June. There is no coursework.

Teaching staff
Mrs V McLean