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Secondary education

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Original poster

A Levels - Art, DT, EPQ and…. ?

68 replies

Mydogiscalledsam · 15/02/2023 23:20

Really struggling with the one.
DS wants to do art, art and more art.
Aiming to go to arts college or university to do something, you guessed it, art related.

Is planning on doing Art, DT and EPQ.
Will be moving onto Arts Award Gold as an after school thing (currently finishing off silver).

But what goes well with these?

Really struggling, going round in circles and we have until Friday to put the form in. Nothing else interests him. He can’t wait to finish this year and just do what he wants art related things.

OP posts:
Bobbybobbins · 15/02/2023 23:28

ICT for the computer skills to support the design aspect?

AppleKatie · 15/02/2023 23:28

A humanity? Or English?

catsonahottinroof · 15/02/2023 23:34

French?
Photography - not sure if you're allowed to do this as well as art
Art History
Classical Civilisation
There's one called something like creative iMedia, think it's a BTEC
Film Studies

Original poster
Mydogiscalledsam · 15/02/2023 23:47

Thanks for the quick responses of suggestions.

Humanities are a definate no. As are languages. He’ll be lucky to pass German.

Unfortunately he can’t do something like art and photography. He would have like to do either both of those and DT, or, DT products and DT Textiles as well as art. The content is apparently too similar or something so it’s not allowed.

Bog standard comprehensive so things like art history are not offered, although he might change his mind in humanities if it was.

There is a digital media studies. It’s not completely ruled out but he’s resisting not over the moon about doing it.

OP posts:
Original poster
Mydogiscalledsam · 15/02/2023 23:49

Another thing I was thinking was, is there anything similar to art and DT which maybe I could look into him talking outside of school?
I’ve had a Google but I can’t really find anything. Will have a look and see what Art history is about though.

OP posts:
BookwormButNoTime · 16/02/2023 06:53

I would look at sixth form colleges nearby that offer art history. Does he have to stay at school?

HawaiiWake · 16/02/2023 08:54

Art History is essay base A levels. Do check past papers for examples.

catndogslife · 16/02/2023 08:57

Unfortunately he can’t do something like art and photography. He would have like to do either both of those and DT, or, DT products and DT Textiles as well as art. The content is apparently too similar or something so it’s not allowed.

That's incorrect OP. At A level it's fine to take both Photography and Art. There is an issue at GCSE but not A level. I suggest applying to a different sixth form where he can choose 3 Art-type A level subjects.

If you are in an area where there is no choice for sixth form then Film or Media at A level may be good.

CharlotteSometimes1 · 16/02/2023 09:01

I’d suggest something essay based as hell have to write essays if he studies art both at A level and if he does a degree. English lit or History would be good.

Dodgeitornot · 16/02/2023 09:17

What does he want to do in the future? If art foundation or uni is the goal than he really needs an essay subject in there. Psychology or Geography might be nice, not as boring as English.

kegofcoffee · 16/02/2023 09:22

I did 3 art/design subjects plus maths at a-level.

I would recommend taking either computer science to help open options in digital design areas, media which would potential support graphic design types of roles, or phycology which links strongly with advertising.

Runningonempty01 · 16/02/2023 09:29

Have you considered non A level options. Our local college offers UAL level 3 in Art and Design. Equivalent to 3 A levels .

ArseInTheCoOpWindow · 16/02/2023 09:40

Mydogiscalledsam · 15/02/2023 23:47

Thanks for the quick responses of suggestions.

Humanities are a definate no. As are languages. He’ll be lucky to pass German.

Unfortunately he can’t do something like art and photography. He would have like to do either both of those and DT, or, DT products and DT Textiles as well as art. The content is apparently too similar or something so it’s not allowed.

Bog standard comprehensive so things like art history are not offered, although he might change his mind in humanities if it was.

There is a digital media studies. It’s not completely ruled out but he’s resisting not over the moon about doing it.

He can do 2 DT’s.

Ive had students do DT product design, DT textiles and art at A level. It’s not a forbidden combination.

TeenDivided · 16/02/2023 09:43

I think first of all it would be helpful to know his best expected subjects/grades.

Sadlifter · 16/02/2023 09:53

Classical Civ or Art History would be perfect, if not then whatever he's predicted the best grade in.

SocialLite · 16/02/2023 10:06

catndogslife · 16/02/2023 08:57

Unfortunately he can’t do something like art and photography. He would have like to do either both of those and DT, or, DT products and DT Textiles as well as art. The content is apparently too similar or something so it’s not allowed.

That's incorrect OP. At A level it's fine to take both Photography and Art. There is an issue at GCSE but not A level. I suggest applying to a different sixth form where he can choose 3 Art-type A level subjects.

If you are in an area where there is no choice for sixth form then Film or Media at A level may be good.

It might not be allowed by the school.

We're having a similar issue (although different reasons) with my dd not being allowed to do the subjects she wants, so off to college she goes! The tutors there were excited to have her.

MsElizabethBennett · 16/02/2023 10:24

Is Drama an option. You can do the design rather than performance pathway. We are also in a similar dilemma, I was surprised to learn that 3 art subjects are fine at A level.

Beamur · 16/02/2023 10:28

One college we have visited will allow 3 art based A levels.
Otherwise I would also suggest English or Classics if offered. DD was tempted by a drama based one which offered specialising in costume or set design rather than performance.

Sadlifter · 16/02/2023 10:31

Business A level is popular among dds arty friends.

blueshoes · 16/02/2023 12:12

If your ds' college won't let him Art and Photography, then you could consider changing to another one who will. Sometimes, it is the way the college does their timetabling and the teachers and those subjects clash for that college.

My dd did Art & Photography at her 6th Form College (and she also changed colleges) and they went well together. Personally I think DT is a great subject and not easy either. But it will give you ds a practical and vocational edge as it would be fantastic for product design.

Is your ds interested in fine art (e.g. painting, sculpture) or applied art (e.g. graphic design, illustration, animation). The latter will make it easier to earn a living. A lot of art these days is done/enhanced digitally.

redskydelight · 16/02/2023 12:19

If he wants to "do art" would he better with a non-A Level course, probably at sixth form college (DD's friend is studying textiles full time, for example)?

If he wants to more "study" art (university route) then have you looked at university entry requirements?

lanthanum · 16/02/2023 13:52

Look at what else is available elsewhere. If he's certain that art and design is the direction he wants to go in, then the extended diploma in art & design (equivalent to 3 A-levels) might be a good option; I think there are other similar options, some just 2-A-level-equivalent.

Postapocalypticcowgirl · 16/02/2023 14:36

If he wants to do art, art and more art, he should look at BTEC or other vocational options. These will allow him to build up a really strong portfolio for uni entry, and will mean he can come out of school/college with 3 strong grades rather than strong grades in art and DT + a weaker third A-level.

For many degree options in art practice, BTEC or another vocational route can be better than A-levels.

Dragon22 · 16/02/2023 16:16

Most arts universities and universities offering arts degrees will work on UCAS points. Usually 96-112 points including 2 ALs (Although they do vary so check individual courses). They will look at grades/points but will be heavily influenced, and possibly more interested, in the portfolio and interview.

6th formers don’t need to have a full timetable. He could do just 2 ALs.

2ALs + EPQ + Arts Award + Good portfolio would do just fine.

To give you an idea of points and grades.
AA = 112
AA = 96

Add in the EPQ and arts award
AAa*P = 156
BBcP = 112
CCcP = 96
EEeP = 56

Dragon22 · 16/02/2023 16:20

I forgot the * did that, sorry

The first 112 points has 2 A stars
The 156 points is 2 A stars and an a star EPQ and an Arts award pass

All other A grades are as written - an A