A level art and design overview
A level art and design encourages students to develop their creativity, technical skills and personal artistic voice through a wide range of practical and critical activities. Students explore traditional and contemporary approaches to art while developing their ability to investigate ideas, experiment with materials and create meaningful personal outcomes.
The course provides opportunities to explore a range of techniques, processes and artistic influences while building an extensive portfolio of work. Students develop confidence in analysing artists, evaluating their own practice and producing ambitious final outcomes in response to personally chosen themes.
Why choose A level art and design?
Fine Art is ideal for students who enjoy creativity, self-expression and developing personal ideas through practical work. The course encourages experimentation, independence and critical thinking while providing the skills and portfolio required for progression into higher education and a wide range of creative careers
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Explore a wide range of artistic techniques, materials and processes.
- Visit galleries, exhibitions and locations to support research and visual recording.
- Develop skills in drawing, photography, mixed media and 3D construction.
- Analyse and respond to artists, designers and cultural movements.
- Build a high-quality portfolio suitable for university, foundation courses or creative employment pathways.
Course type:
A level
Exam board:
OCR
Entry requirements:
GCSE grade 4 in art and/or design and technology.
What will I study?
| Year 12 | Year 13 |
| Develop fundamental skills through a mini foundation programme exploring a variety of techniques, materials and processes, including wire, tape, found materials, printing, plastics, experimental drawing and 3D work. | Continue developing the personal investigation portfolio through increasingly independent and ambitious projects. |
| Investigate cultural movements and critically analyse their influence on art and design before creating a personal response inspired by a chosen movement. | Produce drawings and photography that demonstrate technical skill, purposeful image selection and visual communication. |
| Complete a mock examination project, exploring wider contextual research through literature, film, television, historical events, surveys, articles and first-hand investigations. | Complete a related study that analyses where their work sits within the wider art world. |
| Develop observational work through visits, sketching, photography, rubbings and annotation. | Explore and refine ideas through experimentation and application of skills developed during year 12. |
| Analyse artists’ work and apply elements of their style and processes within personal investigations. | Investigate artists, designers, photographers and other relevant influences connected to a chosen theme. |
| Experiment with materials and processes to develop creative ideas and responses. | Develop a sustained body of work through research, experimentation, annotation and reflection. |
| Create multiple final piece proposals and produce a resolved outcome for the mock examination project. | Complete the externally set assignment, developing ideas from initial research through to a final outcome completed during a three-day practical examination. |
| Begin the personal investigation portfolio through research, critical analysis and visual recording. | Present completed portfolio and examination work for moderation. |
How will I be assessed?
| Component | Description | Weight |
| Personal investigation portfolio | A sustained practical investigation supported by research, experimentation, artist analysis, annotation and a related study. | 60% |
| Externally set assignment | A project developed from an examination theme and completed through a three-day practical examination. | 40% |
| Assessment Objectives | AO1: Develop ideas through investigations and contextual understanding. AO2: experiment and refine work through media, materials and processes. AO3: record observations, insights and ideas. AO4: present a personal and meaningful response. | Assessed across all coursework and examination components. |
Future pathways and progression
A level art and design provides an excellent foundation for progression into higher education, apprenticeships and careers including:
- Fine art
- Illustration
- Graphic design
- Fashion design
- Photography
- Animation
- Architecture
- Interior design
- Product design
- Games design
- Film and media
- Teaching
- Art therapy
- Museum and gallery studies
- Creative marketing
Students also develop highly transferable skills including creative thinking, research, analysis, communication, project management and independent learning. These skills are valued by universities and employers across a broad range of sectors.
