HPQ Introduction to Art History (In-Person & Online)

The Introduction to Art History Project Qualification is delivered by Art History Link-Up (AHLU) in collaboration with Sir John Soane’s Museum and Classics for All, and is free of charge for state school students in Years 9 and 10*.

From January 2027, join us on Sundays during term-time, in-person at Sir John Soane’s Museum or online, to gain a Level 1 or Level 2 Pearson Project Qualification (FPQ or HPQ).

The architect Sir John Soane spent his lifetime collecting and arranging his house so that it became a portrait of himself. On this course, you will create your own self-portrait by making a museum of you! Over twelve sessions you will get to know one of London’s most extraordinary museums, then choose a theme that matters to you, whether that’s football, fashion, family or something unique to you, and build a virtual museum of your own around it. You will research your objects, design the building, plan the displays and write the labels. The course ends with a private view, when you present your finished museum to the group.

In the first half of the course, each session focuses on a few remarkable objects. You will then move on to designing, curating and building your own museum, and along the way you will learn how to manage a project, research and evaluate sources, write clearly for an audience and think critically about what museums and galleries choose to include and leave out. If you would like to continue studying art history, classics or museum and heritage work, the course will also give you a strong foundation for further study.

Art History Link-Up has delivered project-based art history courses since 2019. You will be taught by our expert teachers and specialist teaching assistants, with curators from the Soane advising on your projects. We are delighted to be working with Sir John Soane’s Museum, and with Classics for All, who lead sessions on the classical world. Both share our commitment to widening access to the arts. The course is generously supported by the Christopher and Henry Oldfield Trust.

I have found out how to research and find communities for art history and how it impacts my life. I feel more confident for being part of AHLU. - AHLU HPQ Student

It has taught me how to better explain and describe subjective thoughts, feelings and emotions helping me in all subjects academic and creative. - AHLU HPQ Student

Benefits of the course:

• Learn about art, architecture and the ancient world, with behind-the-scenes access to a world-class collection
• Exciting and dynamic activities, including designing and curating your own museum
• The opportunity to achieve a Pearson Edexcel Project Qualification at Level 1 (FPQ) or Level 2 (HPQ), with the HPQ being equivalent to up to half a GCSE
• Pitch your ideas and get feedback from a real Sir John Soane’s Museum curator
• Sessions on the classical world led by Classics for All
• Taught by highly experienced art and art history teachers
• Optional free access to the digital platform Metasteps, which you can use to create your final project
• Completely free of charge, including exam entry, for state school students in Years 9 and 10
• Join in-person or online, with no experience needed, just curiosity
• Snacks for everyone who joins us in-person!

I really liked being given the independence, because I feel like normally in school you are almost told what to think, you are led on a certain path and you have to agree with everything you are taught. But in the Art history course we were allowed to have our own opinions and our own thoughts, and to be open about that. - AHLU HPQ Student

Session dates (Sundays, 2027):

January: 17th, 24th, 31st
February: 7th, 21st, 28th
March: 7th, 14th, 21st
April: 11th, 18th, 25th

On Wednesday 17th February, during half term, both online and in-person students will be invited to a visit to the Museum. It isn’t compulsory, but we highly recommend it.

Wheelchair Access: If you require wheelchair access, please get in touch in advance with the AHLU team and we can arrange this for you.

Send all queries to: introduction@arthistorylinkup.org

What is a Project Qualification? Pearson’s Project Qualifications are accredited qualifications designed to develop independent learning. They allow students to explore a subject of personal interest and produce a substantial piece of work, such as a research report, creative project, design or curated presentation. They help students build confidence in independent study and are valuable preparation for future Level 3 study, including the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), A Levels and other advanced courses. Find out more on Pearson’s website here: https://qualifications.pearson.com/en/qualifications/edexcel-project-qualification/level-1-and-level-2/teaching-support/about-level-1-and-level-2-project-qualifications.html

*All places are free for state school students (inclusive of qualification entry costs), with priority given to candidates from a widening participation background and to those with exceptional aptitude and ability for the course. Widening participation indicators include eligibility for Pupil Premium or free school meals, and/or having no parent who has attended higher education.

Find out more about Sir John Soane’s Museum here: https://www.soane.org/‍

Find out more about Classics for All here: https://classicsforall.org.uk/

You can find out more about our programmes here: https://www.arthistorylinkup.org/programmes