Showcasing the benefits behind the challenge of AP Art
AP classes classes are programs that are currently being run by the College Board, an organization that helps students gain the opportunity for college success and more. These classes are designed to help you earn college credit and qualify you for more advanced classes in college.
One unique AP course that is available to 10th to 12th graders who are interested in art at Farrington High School is AP Art.
According to the AP brochure of 2021, this course is designed for students who have shown commitment or even interest in the arts. Vanessa Attardo, a teacher who teaches AP Art at Farrington High school, says, “Even if you're not going into the art field, it still is a really great course to take because it helps you to work on your patience, time management, your ability to persevere and problem solve.”
“The one thing that I enjoyed about AP Art is experimenting with different mediums as we worked through different types of projects, from stitching, drawing hands using graphite pencil, to painting with acrylics.” Noah Pascua, Farrington High School c/o 2025
Any experience in creating art and design will help you to be more successful when taking this course. According to Attardo, it is recommended for students to take at least a level one art class, such as general art, drawing and painting, ceramics, or photography. However Attardo states that anyone can take AP Art because there is no prerequisite or requirement.
By taking this class, students will earn credit on a 5.0 GPA scale and potentially have the chance to earn college credit. According to Collegevine, this means that if you earn a B, it would be valued as a 4.0, unlike in a regular course, where it would count as a 3.0. Taking AP courses and passing tests is a sign that you’re able to handle college-level work, which will strengthen your transcription and college applications.
According to the guide to the AP program, AP students are more likely to increase scholarship eligibility and complete their bachelor’s degree on time. Taking AP courses such as AP Art will prepare students for any university or college they want to attend.
While there is no written exam for this course, students must submit an end-of-course portfolio for evaluation to the College Board. Attardo states, “It’s a really unique setting because everyone is trying to submit a portfolio of work and pass the test.”
Students will get to explore and use a variety of materials to create high quality work. Students will use processes and skills from photography, printmaking, collage, fashion illustration. According to Noah Pascua, a student who is currently taking AP Art, “The one thing that I enjoyed about AP Art is experimenting with different mediums as we worked through different types of projects, from stitching, drawing hands using graphite pencil, to painting with acrylics.”
With these materials, students will create, practice, experiment, and revise their own artwork. Students can communicate their ideas about art and design through their work. Through art, we can communicate our own unique thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Attardo states, “It’s really neat to see everyone help each other out and create awesome art.”