Art

Exam Board:

AQA

What will I study on the course:

You will explore art design as a creative medium, producing art work in a range of different materials, applying different techniques and processes
Key areas include:

• Developing ideas through research into art, craft and designers in historical and contemporary contexts
• Experiment and develop ideas with paint, print, oil pastel, pens, pencil crayons, any materials you choose. You can work in either 2D or 3D, you could use photography, work digitally and even use fabrics if you wish.
• Recording observations, and ideas in sketchbooks or digital formats, with annotations, you should also include mood boards and photographs.
• Realising personal intentions through final outcomes such as a painting, sculpture, work on a canvas, mixed media pieces, photographs, pencil crayon studies, the list is endless and should reflect your creativity.

How is the course assessed:

100% non-exam assessment (coursework and externally set assignment; no written exams):

• Component 1: Portfolio – 96 marks, 60% – A sustained personal project (evidencing the journey from initial ideas to final realisation) plus further work from the course. Internally assessed and externally moderated by AQA.
• Component 2: Externally set assignment – 96 marks, 40% – Respond to one starting point from the AQA exam paper (preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time to produce final outcomes). Internally assessed and externally moderated.

Both components address four equal assessment objectives: developing ideas (AO1), experimenting/refining (AO2), recording (AO3), and presenting a personal response (AO4). Work is graded 9-1 based on practical portfolios, sketchbooks, and final pieces.

Post-16 courses:

AS/A Level Art & Design, vocational courses such as BTEC or Diploma in creative subjects, or university study in art-related fields.

Careers:

Theatre lighting technician, trainee technical graphic design assistant, florist, garden designer, beauty therapist, chef. More broadly, roles in creative industries like graphic design, fine art, media, photography, or performing arts. The skills gained also support general employment by demonstrating independence, self-motivation, research, analysis, and presentation abilities.

Specific advantages:

The course allows you to work in ways that matches your interests, with some projects tailored to individual preferences. It’s an open-ended program where you can incorporate your own ideas. Teachers are subject specialists with practical backgrounds, passionate about helping students grow in skill and confidence.

How useful it is in the real world:

Highly useful, as many employers value the ability to self-motivate, research, analyse, and present information effectively. It fosters creativity and problem-solving skills that are attractive across various industries, showing you can generate and execute ideas independently. The practical artistic skills apply directly to creative professions and enhance everyday problem-solving, design thinking, and visual communication.