Art and Design

Assessment

Art and Design at Bales College will expose students to a broad range of material processes and techniques that will facilitate them in achieving in-depth knowledge, understanding and skills in art and design that will allow them to progress to foundation and degree level study within this area. Component one is worth 60% of the total qualification. This is where students will be encouraged to experiment with a wide range of media including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography and digital Art to build up a dynamic and personal portfolio. They will complete a body of work comprising research, supporting studies, practical work and outcomes that will be based on themes and ideas developed from personal starting points. As part of this Unit, candidates will also complete a personal study, which will be a separate written document of at least 1000 words which will make up 12% of this component. This essay will be thematically linked and designed to contextualise the practical work the candidate completes within their portfolio. Component two is the Externally Set Assignment worth 40% of the qualification and will be completed from February onwards In the Student's final year of study. Students will use the technical skills and visual analysis that they have developed through the completion of their portfolio to respond individually to the theme that has been set for their examination. This component requires students to generate and develop ideas, research primary and contextual sources, record practical and written observations and refine ideas towards producing a personally resolved outcome in response to the externally set theme. The culmination of this component is the 15 hours of sustained focus, which is completed under exam conditions and will be a response to the preparatory work the student has completed in response to the externally set theme and will be worth 25% of component two.