History of Art as an A-Level subject?

Oxford must be one of the best cities in the world to study art history, and Cherwell College is situated right at the heart of its architectural treasures. While studying here you will make the most of the city, exploring numerous Medieval and Renaissance colleges of Oxford University as well as churches and other sites in town. Frequent study visits will be made to the Ashmolean Museum to analyse significant paintings and sculpture. The very fine view from the window of your classroom affords art historical material for discussion.

The two-year History of Art A-Level course will introduce you to broader European and non-western developments in art and architecture. Beginning with the Parthenon in Athens you will proceed chronologically through different styles and periods to explore the themes of nature and identities in art and architecture. This synoptic survey will provide the foundations for later in-depth study of the Renaissance in Florence, Rome and Italy, Pre-Raphaelitism, and Impressionism in London and Paris. We will follow the Edexcel History of Art specification.

Edward Clarke, the A-Level History of Art teacher at Cherwell College Oxford, also has been teaching Art and History of Architecture at Oxford University for the past fifteen years. He is currently writing a book that brings together all his interests in this field – The Secret Mind of Art (scheduled for publication by Lion Books in 2022).