The aim of the course is to make the student aware of the History of Art as an exciting academic discipline. Pupils learn about the materials, styles and techniques of artists and are encouraged to see art and architecture within their social, religious, political, cultural and historical contexts. This is in addition to a visual analysis of the works themselves.
Pupils are encouraged to formulate their own ideas about the meanings of works, and to support this with in-depth, personal research. It is hoped that the pupils will receive an understanding of the building blocks of Western Civilization and be made more aware of world-wide cultures.
Programmes of study Enrichment
Mrs R Scott (Head of Department)Dr N G HamiltonMr R T MarkhamDr F S McKeownMiss P A Thorpe
Following the AQA (2008) syllabus, the AS course provides an introduction to art and architecture and tests visual awareness and critical responses to a range of works of art. The choice of modules is designed to give the pupils a basic grounding in the methods, terminology and practice of the subject. The Lower Sixth all study in depth the nineteenth century, focusing upon the paintings, sculpture and architecture of that period through the themes which appear in the works.
The A2 course consists of two modules. Candidates will study Art and Architecture in either fifteenth-century Europe or seventeenth-century Europe together with Art and Architecture in Europe and the United States of America 1900-1945. There is study in depth and pupils are introduced to a range of art historical debate.
There are approximately 50 pupils studying History of Art in the Sixth Form and several go on to read it at University each year.
In the Upper Sixth there is a trip to either Florence or Paris to support the work undertaken in the A2 component of the course. This provides a wonderful opportunity to study in a major cultural centre and to absorb the atmosphere of the city.
There are also trips to London galleries and key buildings to inform the study of the examination modules.
Speakers are invited to Marlborough to deliver a range of talks, aimed at the examination and wider art historical issues.
There are two extensive History of Art libraries within the school.