Course title Advanced GCE in Art and Design

Examination board AQA

Subject codes Art Craft and Design A Level 7201

Course content

A Level

Year 12 – Coursework portfolio

In Year 12 students will explore fundamental aspects of Art and Design in preparation for Year 13, such as:

• Developing ways of working – workshop style activities to develop skills and understanding of techniques
• Engaging with the works of artists and developing links (practical and critical) to their own work
• Exploring independent directions within work
• 5 hour practical exam

Year 12/13 – Component 1: Personal Investigation

For this unit you are required to use personal starting point(s) to produce a major project that shows you working through a range of art and design experiences. You will include a personal study, related to your coursework theme, of between 1000 and 3000 words.

Year 13 – Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

From an early release paper you will choose one starting point. During the initial planning and preparation stage you will demonstrate ability to record, plan and develop ideas and complete a final response under controlled conditions in 15 hours.

Assessment

Component 1: Personal Investigation (Assessment in June in Year 13)

60% of A Level

96 marks

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (Assessment in June in Year 13).

Preparation period + 15 hours of supervised time

40% of A Level

96 marks

Future progression

Art combines well with other creative A Level subjects and is an essential requirement for Art and Design courses at Art Colleges and universities. There are many opportunities in our design-conscious world for careers using the skills you will develop.

Many students who wish to continue their Art and Design education complete a year long Foundation Course. This gives you the opportunity to explore different disciplines such as painting, sculpture, graphics and fashion before deciding on the most suitable degree course to develop your skills even further.

There are numerous Art and Design degrees on offer and during your A Level course we will ensure you find out what is out there. You could specialise in a Fine Art area or look at a Design degree such as Costume, Fashion and Textiles, Jewellery, Interior Design to name but a few.

The competition for places on the best degree courses is fierce. You will submit a personal statement and an online portfolio prior to the offer of an interview. To give yourself the best chance of success you need to demonstrate that you are forward thinking, committed and highly skilled.

To succeed in Art and Design

You will:

• Have excellent and refined artistic skills and a commitment to developing these skills further
• An ability to research and develop a project independently and thoroughly
• Have a genuine interest in current exhibitions and artist practice
• Be able to develop ideas and connect with current practice.