History of Art develops the understanding of the relationship between society and art; art historical terms, concepts and issues; the influence of cultural, social and political factors as well as developments in materials, techniques and processes of both art and architecture over time. Students will develop visual literacy skills and will study artists and periods in depth to gain an understanding and appreciation of the material expression of artistic heritage within world cultures.
The subject content is divided into three key areas:
A: Visual analysis (Paper 1 Section A)
In this section, students will develop the understanding and ability to undertake effective visual analysis in preparation for an unseen image of a painting, building and sculpture. Students will study key terminology and will examine how artists use their materials to achieve specific intentions. Students will analyse specific paintings, sculptures and architecture from within the European tradition of art, from Classical Greece (500 BCE) to the present, all help to develop a wide and impressive visual literacy.
B: Themes (Paper 1 Section B)
Students will study two specific themes in depth and explore artists and works from both pre- and post-1850 and from both within and beyond the European tradition. You will cover at least three types of art, 2D, 3D and architecture, to ensure diversity of knowledge and insight and enjoyment!
Nature in art and architecture: this will include the study of artists such as Albrecht Durer, JMW Turner, Claude Monet, Georgia O'Keeffe, Giambologna, Barbara Hepworth, Barry Flanagan, Richard Long, John Nash Antoni Gaudi, Frank Lloyd Wright and Santiago Calatrava.
Identities in art and architecture: this will include the study of artists such as Jan van Eyck, Rembrandt van Rijn, Elisabeth Vigee Le Brun, Vincent van Gogh, Jean Antoine Houdon, Grayson Perry, Yinka Shonibare, Mark Quinn, Inigo Jones, Christopher Wren, Richard Rogers and Zaha Hadid.
C: Periods
The study of a period is intended to provide the opportunity to research and explore the key movements, concepts, artists, architects, contextual factors and related developments of art and architecture in a specific place (or places) and across a defined time frame. The chosen periods of study are:
The nature of the course, and its content, encourages teaching and learning to be student-centred. Throughout the course, you will be supported and encouraged and will have many opportunities to research and investigate art through first-hand experience. Visual analysis, exploring themes and gaining insight into a defined time frame will be brought about by discussion, reading and visual resources. There will also be the opportunity to develop independent study through study packages and resource-based learning.
Paper 1: Visual Analysis and Themes
This is a three-hour written examination (50% of the qualification) which comprises two sections: Visual Analysis & Themes.
Paper 2: Periods
This is a three-hour written examination (worth 50% of the qualification) where students will be required to write critically about specific artists and the historical and social contexts of the period.
The History of Art develops critical and analytical thinking and supports the improvement and sophistication of written work. The History of Art is complimentary to many higher education courses in related subjects, including Art History, History, Art and Design, Religious Studies, Classical Civilisation, Philosophy, Politics, Sociology, Geography and Maths. The general analytical and interpretative skills developed during the course will also help bring success in subjects such as Film Studies, Marketing, and Business.
Employment opportunities can include work in museums and galleries or careers in sectors that require visual literacy and analytical skills, such as advertising, marketing and communications.
Course materials will be provided for students in the form of booklets. The use of booklets will assist the learning of the course content and give examples of and develop the skills surrounding assessment. This course will include trips to galleries and other places of artistic significance. A financial contribution towards production of the booklets may be requested on one occasion over the two-year course. Peter Symonds has a student support fund for those students who have difficulty making a financial contribution.
Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Mathematics and English Language.