A levels in Art and Textiles

[Whyamihere]

Dd is in year 11 and picking her subjects for A levels, she wants to do art and textiles (her best GCSE subjects) and a third A level, but she has CFS so I’m worried about the level of work required in those 2 A levels as I know it is a lot at GCSE and should imagine that will only increase

Does anyone have any experience with their DC’s doing those 2 and how much time they took?

DS only did Art GCSE and it was a LOT of work - he didn't carry it on to A level.

I did Art A level (although many many years ago) even then it was full on and it took up a huge amount of time both in and outside of school. I loved it and didn't find it difficult but it did interfere with my other subjects as I wasn't giving them the time they needed. If she wants to do it encourage but also warn that it's probably one of the most time consuming A levels to take.

DD did Art and Photography and Business Studies. Yes, the first two were a lot of work but if it’s your thing, you do it. However if she finds sustained work difficult, this could be problematic.

I don’t know exactly what time DD spent on her Art and Photography A levels but she was at boarding school and the studios were open at weekends and in the evenings so she could work when she needed to. She also had inspirational teachers. At the same time she also did portfolios for university interviews so it was full on. I also remember the Photography deadlines were much earlier than the exam season so more pressure there too. However that may not apply for Art and Textiles.

Does she want to continue with Art or some sort of Design course after A levels? Foundation course? Art course at uni?
I would think about what she may want to do after A levels and look at entry requirements for that and then work backwards.
Also ( if she’s set on Art) look at level 3 Art courses at colleges - I know a few students who went straight from 2 year level 3 college courses to Art degrees with utterly fab portfolios.

Art subjects totally depend on teaching and she should go where the best teaching and facilities are. If the school gets great results, stay with the school. Not everyone can travel to great art FE colleges.

Thanks everyone, we’ve now spoken to the college about the work load and they say although it is a lot of work it is possible, Dd is very enthusiastic about it, and although I am worried about the amount of work (especially with chronic fatigue), I think it will be better to do subjects she really enjoys

She wants to teach at primary level and has looked at the requirements to do a teaching degree with QTS and art will satisfy it as you need a curriculum subject.