History of Art A Level

[Thewayweare]

Does anyone know of any schools/colleges that offer History of Art A Level? My son is really keen to do it but very very few places seem to offer it. We are in Sussex and have looked a BHASVIC (one of the few places I've found with art history a level) but weren't keen on such a huge college. We would consider state and independent and would do weekly boarding in southern England.

Thanks!

There are very, very few state schools which teach this subject. I think you should concentrate your search in the independent sector, or consider this organisation which teaches Art History A Level to state school students as an extra-curricular: https://arthistorylinkup.org/about/

Thanks. Even the independent sector doesn't seem to be offering it! That organisation looks very interesting - I will have a look, thanks.

Or accept that if he really wants to study it, the large Brighton & Hove College may be a great option which you're lucky to have nearby.

The question I'd be posing is what careers would benefit from that degree? What is he looking to do in the future? Otherwise, it is a subject slot that could be filled with something more 'useful'. (Sorry)

It's not as simple as that. He has been in special schools since year five due to his very profound autism. He is doing so well that we can consider mainstream for 6th form but going from a school with 60 students total and six in a class to a college with 3000 kids and 25 in a class is just not going to work. BHASVIC is amazing and I'd send another child there in a heartbeat but not this one.

See my other post about my son's autism. He has had an appalling experience of education and has made so much progress that the most important thing is to keep him engaged and happy. Art history is what does that.

I’ve messaged you.

Also messaged you.

Why? It is an excellent choice if somebody is planing to study humanities after A levels. Gives a general understanding about visual culture. Despite popular perception, it ks not an easy subject though. A lot to memorise. The same opinion I have about philosophy. When would be the best time to study it if not at GCSE or A level?! As a university degree makes only sense for somebody who wants to work in a museum, castle or gallery etc

Yes and no. An A-level is generally seen as just an A-level... I.e. three As will get you into Oxford say, but the subjects ARE looked at. An employer will (sadly?) be more inclined to hire someone with English, Maths and Science A-levels than say Drama, Media, and History of Art... purely based upon the transferability of the skills acquired.

I'm saying it is best to design your A-levels around your intended profession, rather than go for something you enjoy and/or think is easy.

Some of the responses here are tone deaf. OP has already explained why her son is keen to study this subject.

History of Art is an excellent subject for honing analytical and interpretative skills, much like history.

Yes, it's hardly considered a 'soft' option like business studies! It's a demanding analytical, essay based subject with a long tradition of scholarship.

What an absolute load of tosh. Humanities subjects give you the most transferable skills that employers want.

Might be useful
To contact these people? www.arthistoryinschools.org.uk/

Its a fantastic subject!

Mine aren't arty OP, but it seems like a brilliant subject to me - friends' children who have gone on to study it at Uni have loved it too.

I've had a look and both my daughters' schools teach Art History A-Level. One is a large comp in London and one a boarding independent with a music specialism.

I suspect the first might be overwhelming for your son so I won't suggest it, especially as it has no boarding facilities.

The second , Wells Cathedral, might fit - it is a faff of a commute but a very lovely place used to teaching children from very different backgrounds with very different needs, in small classes and with bespoke timetables. Offers boarding.

I’m an employer in a competitive, well remunerated field, and I wouldn’t mind art history A Level at all!

My knowledge is out of date, but a few years ago Bryanston did art history and seemed to be supportive of autistic kids.

Thanks for the suggestions of Wells and Bryanston - I have checked and indeed both have History of Art A Level. Both a bit further afield than I might like but worth thinking about.

Camden School for Girls offers Art History at aA level. It’s a mixed sixth form. I don’t necessarily suggest it for your son but just to let you know it is offered.

Hampsted Fine Arts College offers it too. That’s private, expensive and known as a bit of a party place. I think a Beckham child went there, as I think did Kate Moss’s daughter.

I think Bradfield near Reading do it, weekly boarding.

@C1N1C
An employer will (sadly?) be more inclined to hire someone with English, Maths and Science A-levels than say Drama, Media, and History of Art... purely based upon the transferability of the skills acquired.

An employer has many names. An employer such as a library, museum, PR agency, or hospitality will not look at Maths and Science as top of their desires. What transferability of skills would that relate to?

You cannot look at the job market only assuming that only Maths and Science are the one seeking after. Btw, I have MA in Art History, another MA later and trust me, all my life I spent in life science companies.
The truth is that employers don't look at GSCE and A levels apart from the entry position roles if somebody doesn't have a university degree

Training in art, visual culture and the ways things look is highly transferable to anything advertising / marketing as well as more obvious jobs in the cultural / creative industries.

@Thewayweare I would love to know if you’re son ended up studying art history for A level and if so how he found it? My DC is thinking of taking it.