Do you want to know why a young woman should want to be turned into a tree or why an artist pickled a cow? Art History is structured around learning to interpret art both formally and contextually, a skill which will hopefully stay with you for life!
The courses consist of studies of works of art, architecture and design from classical antiquity to the present. You will learn through discussion, presentations and written essays how to understand these works in the context of the time in which they were created. Homework involves consolidating work done in galleries, museums and class by reading recommended texts, making use of TV programmes and the internet. The second year allows for a more in-depth study of two periods in art history.
Art history combines naturally with a wide range of other courses, particularly art & design, English, history, modern languages, theatre studies and media studies, as well as archaeology and philosophy. Students find that where topics overlap, art history can help their understanding
Entry with:
GCSE grade B in a subject requiring good writing skills e.g. English or humantities.
- • The course involves visits to galleries and architectural sites in Cambridge, Norwich and London.
- • International visits form a big part of the course. Year 12 students are given the opportunity to visit Amsterdam in the spring term whilst Year 13 students study the art and architecture in Paris.
- • Project days at the Tate Gallery, Fitzwilliam Museum, Kettle’s Yard and the University of East Anglia. Students have also had the opportunity to become involved with planning events for Young Kettle’s Yard.
Awarding body:
AQA
AS Level Units
Unit 1: Visual analysis & interpretation.
Unit 2: Themes in history of art.
Advanced (A2) Level Units
Unit 3: Investigation & interpretation (1) - Art & Architecture in 19th Century Europe & America.
Unit 4: Investigation & interpretation (2) - Art & Architecture in 18th Century Europe & America.
| | Year | Qual | A* | A | B | C | D | E | U | A-C | A-E |
| History of Art | 11/12 | A | 3 | 11 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
89.7%
|
100.0%
|
| History of Art | 10/11 | A | 2 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 0 |
76.0%
|
100.0%
|
| History of Art | 09/10 | A | 4 | 13 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
| History of Art | 08/09 | A | | 12 | 11 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
| History of Art | 07/08 | A | | 14 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
100.0%
|
100.0%
|
| History of Art | 11/12 | AS | | 18 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
82.1%
|
100.0%
|
| History of Art | 10/11 | AS | | 19 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
86.5%
|
100.0%
|
| History of Art | 09/10 | AS | | 29 | 7 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
97.5%
|
100.0%
|
| History of Art | 08/09 | AS | | 24 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
94.9%
|
100.0%
|
| History of Art | 07/08 | AS | | 22 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
96.4%
|
100.0%
|
- • The department is well equipped with a large slide, video and DVD collection alongside access to CD-ROMs and the internet.
- • Textbooks are provided and the College library has a wide range of art books.
“Art History at Hills Road is a fascinating course that allows students to understand the importance of art in the world of today as well as the historical and social issues. The College offers a stimulating atmosphere to study Art History, giving students confidence to develop their own views and opinions.”
Maria Ezhova
“Within a few months of taking Art History, I knew it was the subject for me to do at university; the high quality teaching and fascinating course content is such that I barely even realise I am ‘working’. You learn not only how to analyse and understand a wide range of paintings, sculptures and architecture, but also the cultural historical, social and even political contexts of these various art forms, giving a perfect blend of art and its history.”
Miriam Tun