NADFAS is extremely concerned to hear of AQA's plans to drop their History of Art A-Level exam in 2018. Chief Executive, Florian Schweizer, has asked NADFAS Accredited Lecturers and Trustees to share their views on the subject and how it might affect the future of our sector. Here are some of the responses he received, which have been collated in a letter to AQA.
“I am deeply dismayed by the scrapping of A-level Art History. I embarked upon my own love of the subject through A-level, and from thence on to university degrees. I feel that this move is denying thousands of young people a valuable introduction to the discipline which, even if not pursued beyond A-level develops valuable and transferrable skills such as writing, research and critical analysis. I strongly feel that this move is doing exactly the opposite of what is needed to ensure that art history is not an elitist subject pursued by a privileged few, but rather is open to all sections of society which in turn, can only have a better impact on the professional pool for careers in art history.” Nicola Moorby, Accredited Lecturer
“The decision to axe History of Art A-Level is deeply worrying on several counts. Firstly, it suggests an outlook, among the educational establishment, that fails to value culture in the broadest sense; a kind of cultural nihilism that is very depressing, and has alarming implications for the long term. One could invoke the Dark Ages... Secondly, History of Art, though branded with the stigma of 'elite' and 'soft', is actually a subject with immense practical application, in that it provides the foundation for training those who will go on to work in the arts and heritage and tourism industries, all of which are useful to the economy. In this regard it is a far more directly useful subject than a 'core' one such as History. Thirdly, it has been argued that History of Art A-Level isn't essential for studying the subject at university. But if school students are not alerted to the existence of the subject through taking it at A-Level, how will they know enough about it to choose to study it at undergraduate level? My own personal experience illustrates this last point: I did History of Art at school, went on to study at the Courtauld, and have made my career in academic art history, teaching at university level as well as for museums and NADFAS.” Paula Nuttall, Accredited Lecturer
“I think it disgraceful that History of Art is no longer available as an A level subject. I gather that the reason for eliminating the subject was because it was 'too wide ranging'. Surely the boards set the agenda and limit the specific period just as one does for History, Geography, Biology or any other subject - any worthwhile subject is bound to be wide ranging and the whole point of further education is to broaden the mind and educate. History of art is so entwined with social history, literature, music - it's not just looking at 'pretty pictures'.” Libby Horner, Accredited Lecturer
“I would like to express my concern about the proposed abolition of History of Art A level by the AQA. My elder daughter took this A level (her others were Art, French and German) and not only enjoyed it enormously but went on to be offered a place to read History of Art at university. She has since then received a distinction from Birmingham University for her MA in Contemporary Curating. Her introduction to History of Art through studying it at A level undoubtedly paved the way for future achievements as well as informed enjoyment and understanding of the world of fine art.” Liz Merry, Accredited Lecturer
“The axing of A-levels in Art History, Archaeology and Classical Studies is profoundly damaging as in essence it deletes cultural learning from the school curriculum… With the barbaric stroke of a pen, it repudiates the value of the arts as a powerful force for good and suggests their appreciation has no meaningful value to students who are growing up in a world dominated by the visual, and built on the past. It is ultimately a perverse, narrow minded and unedifying act of attrition.” Hilary A. Alcock, Trustee
“Engaging with the Arts isn’t just a hobby or spare time indulgence; it’s an opportunity to enrich lives. Study of the Arts develops creative and practical design techniques – transferable skills essential to meet employers’ needs as new technologies emerge, making a significant contribution to the UK economy. With constraints on funding, the reality is that most schools are focussed on league tables, dependent on subjects requiring an external qualification. Axing the History of Art A Level could result in a situation where only independent schools would have the necessary resources and motivation to encourage study of the Arts as a non-examination subject. In this country of ours, with such a rich artistic heritage, do we really want to hinder any student’s access to the Arts?” June Robinson, National Chairman
*Please note, since publishing the above the Art History A-Level has been saved. Exam board Pearson has confirmed plans to develop a new history of art A-Level for teaching from September 2017.