Your course will begin with a theme-based curriculum, which builds technical skills and explores different concepts. As you progress, you will develop your own work, with access to teacher support at lunchtime (four days a week), plus evening support sessions (two days a week).
A range of curated resources on Cloudbase will support and enhance learning throughout your studies and you will benefit from 24/7 access to our digital teacher feedback system.
A Level content
Personal investigation
You will undertake a broad-based course of study, with freedom to explore a range of 2D media, including painting, illustration, drawing and mixed media.
Your personal investigation will take the form of a portfolio of work, including:
- Supporting studies – development work and exploration of ideas
- Practical work – outcomes based on themes and ideas created from your personal starting points
Your personal investigation will be evidenced and supported by a written critical communication, involving contextual research (a minimum of 1000 words of continuous prose, which can contain integrated images).
Externally set assignment
This component includes:
- Preparatory studies
- 15-hour period of sustained focus (exam conditions)
This assignment is an opportunity to draw together the knowledge, understanding and skills gained across the course. You will develop your own response to a broad-based thematic starting point via a portfolio of practical work and final outcome(s). The preparatory studies will demonstrate your development of ideas.
A Level assessment
You will be assessed on two core elements:
- Personal investigation (60% of the total mark)
- Externally set assignment (40% of the total mark)