Art history is a unique subject. Students on the ‘Morning A-level’ and ‘Full-time A-level’ programmes have the opportunity to take the Art History project course during the qualification phase.

Benefits of the subject

- Art history fosters a broader education. Through engagement with art, students develop an appreciation of aesthetics and an understanding of social contexts from antiquity to the present day.

- Art history complements other subjects. Periods in art and literature become more tangible through the study of visual works, whilst historical knowledge takes on a greater sense of depth.

- Art History takes a different approach to learning. There are no written exams or tests in this subject. There is also very little writing involved. All learning is strongly visually oriented.

- Art history can improve A-level grades. Poor marks in other subjects can be offset by art history.

Course content

- Artistic periods from antiquity to the present day

- Genres of art history: painting, sculpture, architecture, media art

- Famous artists whom we have heard a lot about but know little about

- Motifs and genres from antiquity to the present day

Methods used in the subject

Unlike other subjects, work in art history always centres on visual artworks. A projector is therefore essential. There is a great deal of discussion. In whole-class sessions, we try to ‘unpack’ visual artworks subjectively, but above all in the context of the circumstances in which they were created. Each student must prepare a presentation and provide suitable images for it.