: A Level Fine Art

Exam Board: OCR

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Further information available from: Mrs Van Daalen 

Course requirements:  GCSE Art grade 5 or higher

In A-level Art students follow a course similar to GCSE.  Following a series of skills workshops, they produce an independent, self-directed coursework portfolio (Personal Investigation), supported by a related written study (1000-3000 words). The coursework portfolio is worth 60% of their final mark and they sit an externally set task at the end of their second year worth 40% of the overall mark. Both the coursework and exam are marked using the same assessment objectives.

AO1: (25%) Artist INSPIRATION ideas through artist’s research and appropriate responses

AO2: (25%) MEDIA EXPERIMENTATION with, and select, appropriate materials

AO3: (25%) Considered CREATION ideas and observations through drawing, painting, photography and video

AO4: (25%) Informed OUTCOME a final outcome developed from work carried out for the other AO’s

AO5: Related Study (Coursework only) A supporting written study of 1000-3000 words (for coursework, marks are out of 20% for the 4 AO’s above and the written study)

Coursework Portfolio

For this, students produce a body of work that often takes the form of a sketchbook supported by larger drawings, paintings and 3D media pieces.  They explore an idea or theme developing work in a way that reflects their personal interests or strengths until they reach a final outcome. Work produced should satisfy the Assessment Objectives above and demonstrate that they have researched and responded to artists relevant to their theme, experimented with different media, recorded relevant images and objects through drawing, painting or photography and then produced a relevant final piece. At A Level a student’s coursework portfolio is supported by a 1000-3000 word personal study.

Controlled Assignment

The exam takes the same form as at GCSE.  Students will be issued with an early release paper in February from which they will select a title/starting point to develop ideas from.  They will have time to produce preparation work that satisfies the first 3 AO’s (just as they have done for their coursework) before they begin their exam.  This preparatory work is worth approximately 30% of the 40% of marks awarded for the exam.  The A Level exam is 15 hours under examination conditions, typically split into sittings of up to 5 hours. The focus in the exam is to produce a final outcome that satisfies AO4.  Exams are likely to begin towards the middle of April and finish in the middle of May, although exact timings may vary.  Coursework deadlines will coincide with final exam deadlines.

In KS5 students have the opportunity to work in an increasingly independent way. They explore their own ideas by looking at and responding to contemporary Artists, developing drawing, painting and recording skills and by experimenting in a variety of exciting and innovative media.