Introduction

The new specification is designed to promote continuity and coherence within the framework of the whole educational process. It is intended that the specification will provide a natural progression from GCSE or similar Art and Design courses and will meet the needs of the following types of students:

(i) those who will undertake further studies in Art and Design;
(ii) those who will study subjects or take up careers for which an Art and Design education is relevant;
(iii) those who, while having interest and aptitude in the subject, will benefit from the course, yet are not intending to study the subject further.

Focal Points for Studies in Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced GCE include:
(a) experimentation and exploration of the visual elements;
(b) visual enquiry;
(c) thematic approaches;
(d) historical, critical and contextual study;
(e) problem-solving activity.

Key Skills

AS and A-Level courses provide opportunities to develop Key Skills in:

• Intellectual, imaginative, creative and intuitive powers;
• Investigative, analytical, experimental, practical, technical and expressive skills, aesthetic understanding, and critical judgement;
• Independence of mind;
• Interest, enthusiasm and enjoyment of art, craft and design;
• Observational and recording skills;
• Experience working with a range of traditional and new media;
• Knowledge, understanding and application of art, craft, design, media and technologies in current and past societies and cultures;
• Awareness of roles, functions, audiences and consumers of art, craft and design practice.

Assessment

There are two Assessment units in AS and A2:

AS 1 - A Coursework Portfolio which is teacher assessed worth 50% of AS and 25% of the overall award available Summer only. There is breadth and flexibility in course building.

AS 2 - Externally Set Assignment which is teacher assessed with external moderation, 50% of AS, 25% of the overall award, available Summer only. Areas of practice are specifically mentioned in guidance allowing flexibility and breadth in exam choice.

A2 1 - Personal Investigation. This unit includes a written element of 1000 to 2000 words. It should consist of written and visual observations. It will require between 60 and 80 hours teaching/student contact time. Maximum mark - 80.

A2 2 - Externally Set Assignment which is a teacher assessed control test with external moderation, 50% of A2, 25% of the overall award, available Summer only. The
assignment provides a broad range of starting points around a topic, allowing flexibility in exam choice for Fine Art or Design.

Entry Requirements

It is essential that any pupil intending to study AS or A-Level Art and Design has completed a full Art and Design GCSE course. They should have achieved at least a high B or preferably an A grade at GCSE Level. Full attendance, consistency in completion of homework, and a sustained self-motivation are compulsory factors if success is to be attained at this level.