Art

Assessment

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of the total qualification) - This component allows students opportunities to generate and develop ideas, research primary and contextual sources, record practical and written observations, experiment with media and processes, and refine ideas towards producing personal resolved outcome(s). There are three major elements: Supporting Studies, Practical Work, and a Personal Study. Supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from both given and personal starting points. We deliver structured workshops at the start of the course to build skills and confidence in the formal elements of drawing, painting, print making, digital media and sculpture. The strength of our course is linking to professional practice and the wide range of independence and creative skills that students demonstrate. We also expect students to attend exhibitions in their own time and offer the opportunity of a trip to New York during the 2 year linear course. The Personal Study will be evidenced through critical written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum 1000 words of continuous prose, which may contain integrated images. Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of the total qualification) - This represents the culmination of the A level course. This component incorporates two major elements: Preparatory studies and the 15-hour period of sustained focus. The assignment will be externally set and consist of one broad-based theme and suggested starting points. Students submit supporting studies and practical outcome(s) in response to the given theme. Supporting studies will consist of annotation, research and compiled contextual references, practical exploration of materials and techniques, recording from primary sources and developmental stages of practical work leading to refined practical outcomes.