Art History (Edexcel)
We study Art History in order to develop our critical literacies in discussing the great paintings, artworks and artefacts of the past. We study to understand how human beings have responded to their environments and the situations they have found themselves in throughout history by creating beautiful objects.
Art History is the ultimate subject for the multi-disciplinarian who wants to do it all! We encounter history, philosophy, culture, identity, nature and scientific developments through the lens of art and visual culture, with a curriculum that takes us all over the world, including Africa, Asia and Europe.
Our central location offers an unparalleled opportunity to study Art History in immediate reach of icnomic architecture and major collections such as the Tate Galleries, The National Gallery, the V & A, The British Museum, The Wallace Collection, The Royal Academy, The Saatchi Gallery and the Courtauld Institute. We go on gallery visits routinely to help bring the history of painting, architecture, sculpture, film and installations into the classroom. We are also planning a trip to Paris in 2026-27 to experience the artistic hub of Europe and examine key artworks studied in our Modernism component.
Art History is a rigorous, highly-respected academic subject, and a student will be expected to develop research and essay skills. It prepares students well for further study at university and the subject can be studied alone, or in combination with a range of other subjects, at most universities including Oxford and Cambridge. In previous cohorts since 2022, we have averaged over one third of the class enrolling for Art History as single or joint honours degree, revealing the depth of enjoyment and appreciation for the subject within the school, with very high Oxbridge success, in part reflecting our unusual position as a state school studying Art History.
The commercial world of the 21st century is highly visual. The marketing and advertising world is constantly seeking the visually aware. One important aim of Art History is to produce visual literacy; the ability to assess images of all kinds critically and perceptively and discover proof. This unique combination of visual sensitivity and intellectual rigour has proven valuable in areas such as journalism, advertising, publishing, law and film and television work. More directly related careers include those in teaching and research, conservation and restoration, museum and gallery administration, commercial galleries and auction houses.
Work experience and outreach programmes are an important part of the department’s work and students are able to participate in a number of schemes. The department has direct links with ARTiculation, The Courtauld, Tate Conservation, the Art Fund, the ICA, the University of London, The Estorick, The Queen’s Galleries and other exciting places.
Recommended course readings include:
- Robert Hughes, The Shock of the New (1980).
- E.H. Gombrich, The Story of Art (1950).
Please click here for further information on our Art History Curriculum.
