Board: OCR
The full two year course consists of 4 units of work. Pupils can opt to take AS Art & Design as a stand-alone qualification, 2 units, or may wish to undertake the A2 year as well, making 4 units in total. The AS and A2 are internally marked and externally moderated. Each year contributes 50% to the total marks available.
Both these qualifications, AS and A2 are level 3 in the National Qualification Framework (NQF)
AS
Coursework Portfolio
Candidates produce a portfolio of work straight from starting points, topics or themes determined by our centre. The focus is on including work that shows exploration, research, experimentation and the acquisition of techniques and skills.
Controlled Assignment
Candidates select one starting point from an early release question paper. They are then given a minimum of three school weeks in which to plan and prepare followed by five hours to work on developing their ideas into a final outcome.
The Assessment Objectives are as follows:
AO1 – DEVELOP 30%
AO2 – EXPERIMENT 30%
AO3 – RECORD 20%
AO4 – PRESENT 20%
A2
Personal Investigation
Candidates submit one major project or clearly defined series/set of work which has personal significance, with references to artists / designers.
The investigation must include a Related Personal Study between 1000 and 3000 words.
Controlled Assignment
Candidates receive an early release paper on 1st February and are to select one starting point. Candidates are given a minimum of three weeks in which to prepare a body of work using a range of techniques and processes.
In 15 hours of controlled time, candidates work to plan and then realise their ideas into a final outcome(s).
Ideally, entry to the AS course demands that boys should achieve not less than a grade B at GCSE level as the demands of the course are rigorous and require self-motivation and commitment. It is expected that Sixth Form boys use the studios outside of the normal timetable for private study.
The Assessment Objectives are as follows:
AO1 – DEVELOP 20%
AO2 – EXPERIMENT 20%
AO3 – RECORD 30%
AO4 – PRESENT 30%