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History of art

History of art is a richly stimulating AS and A level subject, in which pupils gain a sound understanding of the major periods of Western art history from antiquity to modernity, and develop the ability to articulate their ideas through lively class discussion and written analysis.

The ideal criteria for a prospective A level history of art student are a budding interest in material culture, an aptitude for visual analysis, a good written prose style and a keenness to read widely from the many books held in Bryanston’s excellent art history library.

A top-tier humanities subject, the history of art A level is an excellent pathway to a range of first-rate undergraduate degrees, postgraduate study and a wide array of professions in areas such as museums and art galleries, auction houses and commercial galleries, academia and teaching, travel and tourism, government arts management and journalism.

Sarah Wilson
Acting Head of History of Art

CURRICULUM

Pre U CIE Course Outline

Art History is a richly stimulating sixth form subject, in which pupils develop a sound understanding of the major periods of Western art history from antiquity to modernity, and the ability to articulate their ideas thorough lively class discussion and written analysis.

This is an essay-based subject and one that demands a genuine engagement with new conceptual frameworks. You will need to be independent-minded and motivated, to love learning and a good argument. 

  • Component 1 (25%): Analytical Studies in Western and non-Western Art
  • Component 2 (25%): Historical Topics
  • Component 3 (25%): Thermatics Topics
  • Component 4 (25%): Independent personal investigation

We strongly believe in the need to experience the great works of art and architecture in-situ, to consolidate art historical issues learned in the classroom. We therefore run an A2/A3 Art History trip to Italy during the spring half term break. Recent destinations include Florence, Siena, Rome, Bologna, Padua and Venice.

History of Art In Detail

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STUDY TRIPS

We strongly believe in the need to experience the great works of art and architecture in situ, to consolidate art historical issues learned in the classroom. We therefore run a biennial history of art study trip to Italy during the spring half-term break (Florence & Siena in 2013, Florence & Rome in 2015).