Wymondham High A Level Art Multimedia
Overview
This is a hugely popular and unique digital art course which uses industry standard software and covers a range of communication media such as digital photography and manipulation, digital illustration, desktop publishing, 2D and 3D animation, 3D modelling, film making and website design. Our aim is to equip students with the skills, confidence, and ability to realise their individual creative identity and ambition.
Students are encouraged to challenge convention and produce high quality digital work which is underpinned by in depth subject knowledge and technical expertise. We have developed exciting links with local galleries and higher education institutions such as the Sainsbury Centre of Visual Arts and Norwich University of the Arts who support our students with many opportunities such as visits, workshops, portfolio preparation and talks.
Course Requirements
Due to the unique nature of this course, students may wish to apply without having undertaken an Arts GCSE. Therefore, we advise that students wishing to apply for this course have a passion for digital image making and some experience of using Adobe Photoshop.
Course Content
Component 1: Coursework – Year 12:
Over the summer holiday before starting Year 12, students are given a Photography challenge. At the beginning of Year 12 students use their photographs to undertake a ‘transition’ mini project. After the challenge, students are inducted and begin to explore practical and analytical skills in a series of structured mini workshops using a range of Adobe software. The mini workshops are delivered through a balance of directed learning activities and teacher-led tutorials and supported by independent and collaborative learning. Using a digital sketchbook, we look at and explore the different and varied approaches to photography, digital illustration, digital painting, graphic design, and animation. Enrichment opportunities include in-house life drawing and a visit from ex-students who plan and run specialised sessions focusing on a particular software. Students are taught how to develop critical and analytical skills and take part in group critiques to further their understanding of the formal elements.
After Christmas until June half term, Year 12 students develop a ‘personal project’ that enables them to work in an individual direction of their own choice. Visits to artist studios and trips to galleries of local and national distinction are organised for the students to assist in their response to artists’ work. Students produce final outcomes for this project before the June half term in preparation to start their Personal Study in the summer term of Year 12.
Component 1: Coursework – Year 13:
Personal Study – Over the summer half term, students are taught how to analyse artwork and given a comprehensive grounding in art historical terms, concepts, and issues, as well as the influence of cultural, social, and political factors. Students are helped to develop ideas for their Personal Study. This usually takes the form of a written and illustrated essay in which students show the depth of understanding that they have about the ideas that inform and inspire their creative work, through investigating artists and designers. The Personal Study element is worth approximately 18% of coursework marks. Over the autumn term of Yr.13 students develop individual ideas and experiment with a range of media, culminating in an ambitious final outcome made before the Christmas holidays. Upon their return students spend the month of January writing and consolidating their Personal Study.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment – Year 13:
A theme is provided by the Pearson exam board as a starting point for the students’ own ideas. Students begin work on this in February and generate a body of explorative and considered work in a new sketchbook or portfolio before producing a final practical outcome over 15 hours / three days in late April or early May.
Progression after A levels
Creative thinking and expression are incredibly important skills. Arts and culture now contribute £101.5 billion directly to the UK economy each year and experts believe that creativity will survive the automation revolution. Film, gaming, and TV are just a handful of industries that rely on artistic talent. Art Multimedia is a subject that breeds independence and intuitive thinking. Due to the broad nature of the course, students leave Wymondham High Academy 6th Form to pursue a range of creative careers in graphic design, illustration, animation, commercial and fashion photography, architectural photography, events photography, advertising, film, and website design. Students have also entered employment in animation studios and well-known gaming companies.
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