History of Art Department
Curriculum
History of Art at AS level gives students a broad understanding of the development of western painting, sculpture and architecture and enables them to be able to analyse and interpret works within this context. The examination board which we use is AQA.
There are two modules studied in the Lower Sixth:
Visual Analysis and Interpretation
This module covers works of art from 500BC to 20o0AD and introduces students to the methods and terminology of art history as well as the varied contexts in which art is produced, used and seen. Visual Analysis and Interpretation will develop the student’s knowledge and understanding of the formal characteristics of paintings, sculpture and architecture.
Themes in History of Art
Through this module, students will gain an understanding of key themes in Western art and architecture. Examples will be drawn from Classical Greece to the end of the twentieth century. The eight themes for study are: subjects and genres; materials, techniques and processes; form and style, form and function; historical and social contexts; patronage; social and cultural status, and gender, nationality and ethnicity
At A2 level students use the broad knowledge gained in the Lower Sixth to build a more detailed and specialised understanding of particular movements or periods in history.
