Art | A-Level Subjects | d'Overbroeck's Oxford

WHAT IS A-LEVEL ART?

At d’Overbroeck’s Sixth Form, we have a dynamic and individual-centred approach to Art A-Level – one that emphasises flexibility and creativity. Although technique is a vital element of the course, we are above all interested in allowing you to develop your own artistic style and opinions – your own voice.

WHERE YOU'LL STUDY

Brand new for September 2021, our new Arts Centre site is located within 10 minutes’ walk of our main Sixth Form centre in the bustling community of Summertown. Situated in a modern and creative suburb of Oxford, the d’Overbroeck’s Arts Centre is a stone’s throw away from the city’s wide variety of world-famous galleries and art museums to get you inspired.

The stunning new open art spaces enable more room for collaboration, exhibition and display opportunities, as well as ambitious project work, both in terms of size and complexity.

At our Arts Centre, you’ll have access to specialist studios and state-of-the-art facilities for:

3D Art
Ceramics
Fine Art
Photography
Textiles

DISCOVER OUR ARTS CENTRE

WHAT YOU'LL DO

First Year

In the first term we run an introductory course, exploring practical and theoretical aspects of art, developing practical and critical skills; in the second term and third terms students work on an exam project.

Second Year

Students research and develop work for a coursework project of their choice; in the second and third terms students work on their final exam project.

WHOM DOES THIS SUBJECT SUIT?

If you are already aiming to apply to Art school or work as an artist, designer or architect, you are likely already to be interested in – and suited to – Art A level. You will find that the course offers plenty of opportunities to hone your skills and develop as an artist.

The course is not, however, solely suitable for aspiring career artists; it could make an excellent addition to your A level programme, whatever your ambitions may be. Art may broaden the scope of an otherwise primarily essay-based or scientific selection of subjects.

Your Art GCSE grade is probably the best indication of your ability to pursue the A level – but we may also take students on the strength of their ability to demonstrate an interest in art & design and motivation to develop their skills.

WHAT MIGHT THE SUBJECT LEAD TO?

The Art Department at d’Overbroeck’s has a great track record of getting students onto excellent art, design and history of art degree courses. We are very experienced in supporting students through their application process, helping to plan portfolios and prepare for interviews. It has been great to follow the successes of our students as they have progressed through degree courses and into careers in art and design.

For most art and design students, an Art & Design Foundation course is the best way to explore the possible directions for study at degree level.

Many of our students are offered places on the Foundation course at Oxford Brookes, one of the top courses of its type in Britain. We also have students regularly accept places on other excellent Foundation courses at top institutions, including the Royal Drawing School, Kingston, Manchester, Loughborough, the University of Creative Arts (UCA) and University of the Arts London (UAL). One of our students’ top destination choices recently has been Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London.

In recent years, other students have accepted places directly on prestigious Art & Design courses at institutions such as the Edinburgh College of Art, Chelsea College of Art & Design, Camberwell College of Arts, Arts University Bournemouth, the London College of Fashion (LCF) and London College of Communication (LCC).

Over the past five years, we also have an excellent track record of entrance on to top BA Architecture courses.

MEET THE HEAD OF ART

Who teaches Art?

Nick Reeves

Head of Art and History of Art

Nick read History of Art at Cambridge where he first encountered the term ‘object trouve’ courtesy of fellow student Francis Morris (now Director of Tate Modern). After Cambridge Nick moved to London and worked in art publishing before enrolling on the Art teachers’ PGCE at Goldsmiths College.

A-LEVEL ART