A Level Plus

A Level Plus

Year 1: (A Level + Diploma)

In Year 1 students choose the three subjects they wish to carry forward to the end of Year 2. The first two weeks of the Autumn term are designed to help students familiarise themselves with the choice of subjects before they make a decision.

The subjects will lead to OCR Cambridge Technicals Art and Design Level 3 Diploma at the end of Year 1 and A Levels at the end of Year 2. The options are as follows:

  • Fine Art
  • Graphic Communication
  • Fashion and Textiles
  • 3D Design

A third subject must also be chosen, which will lead to an A-Level qualification at the end of Year 2 (please note that this subject will not lead to a diploma qualification at the end of Year 1). The options are:

  • History of Art : Critical & Contextual Studies
  • Mathematics

Students who are very weak in English will be exempt from choosing a third subject. Instead, they will follow an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) programme to ensure that they achieve the level of English required for progression to university.

All Year 1 students complete a Personal and Professional Development (PPD) programme aimed at developing the study skills and habits required for successful undergraduate-level study in Art and Design.

Year 2: (A Levels)

In Year 2, students continue with the three subjects that they chose in Year 1 in order to be ready to sit the A Level examinations in May.

It is expected that by the start of Year 2, students can already demonstrate the level of English required for university entry (usually an overall IELTS score of 6.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components).

As well as preparing for their A Levels, Year 2 students need to work hard at securing a place at university. This involves developing a suitable portfolio of work and a personal statement in preparation for an interview with the university of their choice.

All Year 2 students attend the Creative Learning and Skills Programme (CLASP) one day a week at Central Saint Martins (Click here for more details). This programme is in addition to A Level study.