Component 1: Portfolio (Coursework)60% of the total A Level marks The portfolio component of the course is generated through an initial foundation in and investigation of the three main genres of painting: 1. Still Life 2. Landscape 3. and Portraiture Briefs will be initially set and marked by your teacher and towards the end of the first year, you will be asked to further one of the three genres above, developing ideas independently from investigation of various contextual sources and producing outcomes in a range of appropriate media. From February of the second year, this work will be internally assessed. This unit intends to give students an understanding of the specific challenges presented by these three genres. Students will be directed to experiment with and control a variety of media and techniques according to the relevance of their ideas and according to particular aptitudes. The expectation is that students will generate a body of work (which may include drawings, paintings, 3D work in clay, paper or card, photographs and digital media, annotation, and contextual studies) all of which demonstrates the sustenance and development of ideas and an ability to work independently and reflectively, reviewing and refining practical work as it progresses. In the second year, a written study of approximately 1000 words will be required as a result of research into an area of study associated with the practical portfolio. Assessment will take place termly, but students should recognize the importance of participation in group and personal critique sessions in the development of their work. Visits to galleries, links with Wirral Metropolitan Borough College, and external exhibitions of work will also be a part of the course. Due to the very personal nature of the work, it is advisable, but not essential that students purchase a small stock of their specialized materials and equipment. Students should also be prepared to make regular personal site visits and photo shoots to personalize and inform their portfolios. Component 2: The Controlled Test (Externally set assignment) 40% of the total A Level marks. From February in Year 2, students will select an externally set assignment and use approximately a month to prepare a practical response. Students will be given 15 hours in Controlled Test conditions to realize this as their final piece, which should draw upon skills and knowledge gained in the portfolio unit of work. In the test, you are required to demonstrate your ability to respond to: 1. A given stimulus or issue. 2. The work of an artist(s), designer(s) or craftsperson(s) 3. A task that specifies an image, object or outcome to be achieved within a specified time limit. Both components will be internally assessed by all teachers and then moderated by the AQA in May of the second year of study in an internal exhibition.