Year 1: Skills Based Portfolio – Coursework Students are required to produce a portfolio of work from given starting points, topics or themes. There is a strong emphasis on work with the life model as a foundation for other ideas. The focus is on showing that ideas have been explored, researched, and skills and techniques have been acquired during the course. Students will benefit from learning a variety of new techniques such as SLR photography, printmaking, painting and drawing, sculpture and digital art. Coursework project Students will be given the opportunity to start their major coursework project after Easter which will go towards their overall A Level. In May students will have a 10 hour (2 days) exam to work on developing their ideas to experience working under controlled conditions, they will be awarded with an internally assessed grade at the end of the first year. Year 2 Personal Investigation Students continue to develop their major project (practical piece of visual work) that has a personal significance to them. This is an opportunity to show what you have learnt to do well. The investigation includes a related personal study that must be between 1000 – 3000 words. Controlled Assignment Students are given an early release question paper on 1st February from which they select one starting point. They are given 12 - 14 weeks to prepare and plan their ideas. Students are given 15 hours (3 exam days) exam time to realise their ideas into a final outcome or piece of work.