Overview

This qualification carries UCAS points for University/3rd Level Entry and for entry into a variety of
professions. ‘A’ Level Art and Design can specifically lead to an Art Foundation Course leading to
an art related Degree at University Level.

Duration

2 Year Course
• Year 1 - AS Level
• Year 2 - A2 Level

Awarding Body

AQA

Qualification Value

‘A’ Level

Entry Requirements

Candidates should have at least a grade ‘B’ at GCSE Level in Art & Design

Course Content

Unit 1 - Portfolio
• Portfolio submitted of art work carried out during the AS course, using a
theme of Candidates choice e.g. “Changes”, “Viewpoints”, “Art in Boxes”.
Assessment
• This portfolio carries 80 marks with a weighting of 50% of total AS marks and
25% of total ‘A’ Level marks.
Unit 2 - Externally-Set Assignment
• Candidates choose 1 of 5 externally set themes. The assignment will last
from 1st February until the deadline for receipt of marks. All the work
produced for this unit will be marked as a whole.
Assessment
• This assignment carries 80 marks with a weighting of 50% of total AS marks
and 25% of total ‘A’ Level marks.
Unit 3 – Personal Investigation
• Candidates are required to develop a personal investigation in response to
an idea, issue, concept or theme of their choosing supported by 1000 –
3000 words.
Assessment
• The Ivestigation carries 80 marks with a weighting of 25% of total ‘A’ Level
marks.
Unit 4 – Externally Set Assignment
• An externally set assignment where candidates can choose 1 of 8
themes, e.g. “Movement”, “Identity”, “Time”. Candidates can interpret their
chosen theme as they see fit.
Assessment
• Assignment carries 80 marks with a weighting of 25% of total ‘A’ Level
marks. Supervised time for actual exam is 15 hours.
5 hours per week will be required during school to carry out the course.
Home study will also be required and is an essential part of the course.

What career will the course prepare me for?

Career opportunities include:
• Advertising
• Architecture
• Film and video/media
• Illustration
• Landscape architecture
• Photo design, restoration
• Teaching
• Theatre design
• Textile design
• Community artist
• Fashion design
• Fine art
• Gallery administration
• Graphic design
• Interior design
• Lighting
• Marketing
• Museum conservation
• Photography
• Printing
• Research and visual communication.

The study of Art & Design can also be continued on a personal level for pleasure and
expression and has a valuable contribution to most areas of our lives.

For further information contact Ms Diamond, Head of Department