A Level

A Level Course

Exam Board

AQA

Student Skills Required

Students will need personal qualities of commitment, originality, independence of thought and individuality, as well as analytical and manipulative skills demonstrating experimentation and understanding of media. Knowledge and critical understanding, clarity in written expression and a feeling for aesthetic qualities are also required.

Course Content

GCE Fine Art

AS outline

At AS, candidates should be introduced to a variety of experiences employing a range of media, processes and techniques appropriate to the chosen area of study.

The AS specification has 2 units:

Unit 1: Portfolio

Topic list

• Development of a coursework portfolio exemplifying work carried out during the AS course.

Assessment

Coursework 80 marks
Weighting: 50% of total AS marks / 25% of total A Level marks

Candidates choose one of the endorsements for study throughout AS. The contents of the Portfolio will be determined by the nature of the course of study.

Candidates should produce a collection of materials which exemplifies work carried out during the AS course.

All the work produced for this unit will be marked as a whole.

Set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA by visit to the centre. Visits will normally take place in June.

Unit 2: Externally-Set Assignment

Topic list

• An externally-set assignment. Separate question papers for each endorsement containing five exciting starting points. Candidates choose one.

Assessment

Externally-Set Assignment 80 marks
Weighting: 50% of total AS marks / 25% of total A Level marks

Supervised Time – 5 hours

Candidates select one of five starting points. The externally-set assignment will last from 1 February until the deadline for receipt of marks. Candidates may produce preparatory work and a finished piece or pieces or work of a wholly developmental nature. Candidates should be selective when deciding what to submit for this unit.

All the work produced for this unit will be marked as a whole. Set by AQA, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA by visit to the centre. Visits will normally take place in June.

GCE Fine Art

A2 outline

At A2, candidates are required to build upon the knowledge, understanding and skills gained in the AS with greater depth of study.

The A2 specification has 2 units:

Unit 3: Personal Investigation

Topic list

• A personal investigation in which candidates develop work in response to an idea, issue, concept or theme of their choosing.

Assessment

Coursework 80 marks
Weighting: 25% of total A Level marks

Candidates are required to develop a personal investigation based on an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by 1000 - 3000 words.

All the work produced for this unit will be marked as a whole. Set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA by visit to the centre. Visits will normally take place in June.

Unit 4: Externally-Set Assignment

Topic list

• An externally-set assignment. Separate question papers for each endorsement containing eight exciting starting points. candidates choose one.

Assessment

Externally-Set Assignment 80 marks
Weighting: 25% of total A Level marks

Supervised Time – 15 hours

Towards the end of the examination period candidates must complete 15 hours of unaided, supervised time, the first three hours of which should be consecutive.

All the work produced for this unit will be marked as a whole. Set by AQA, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA by visit to the centre. Visits will normally take place in June.