Visual Arts

What levels are on offer?

You can take Visual Arts at Higher Level A or at Standard Level A (60% Studio work and 40% Research workbook), or you can take Visual Arts at Higher Level B or Standard Level B (60% Research workbook and 40% Studio work).

How do I decide which to choose?

Higher Level Visual Arts A and B is aimed at students who really enjoy Art and those interested in taking it further.
Standard Level A is aimed at students who may need it to use at further levels, or as part of further studies.
Standard Level B is for everyone.

What will I need?

At least an A or B grade at GCSE for the Higher Level.
At least a B or a C grade at GCSE for the Standard levels.

You will be expected to provide basic art equipment and Art Journals. A digital camera would be an asset.

What will I study?

You will be given some experiences in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Printing, Textiles and 3-D studies. You will work to set themes and be expected to explore, using a variety of materials, look at the work of other artists, crafts persons and designers and develop your ideas towards personal final outcomes.

For the Higher Level course you will be expected to explore the themes in greater depth in the specified areas, as there is more allocated studio and journal time.

For the Standard Levels, there is less studio time, but the same areas will be covered but in a wider context.

How will I be assessed?

Higher Level A and Standard Level A

Your Research Workbooks (60%) will be marked internally by your teacher at the end of the course.
Your studio work (40%) will be exhibited and marked by a visiting examiner and he will talk to you (Interview) about your work for approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Standard Level B

Your Research Workbooks (60%) will be marked at the end of the course by a visiting examiner.
Your Studio work (40%) will be marked internally by your teacher at the end of the course.
You will have an interview, of approximately 20 to 30 minutes, with the visiting examiner at the end of the course about your work.

All candidates must complete a visual arts record booklet. The booklet serves as a record of part of the candidate's studio work and research and is used in the moderation process of the visual arts assessment.