Component 01: Personal investigation A practical portfolio with supporting contextual research in response to a set theme. The portfolio may be presented in a format appropriate to the specialism and area of study chosen. A supporting dissertation sketchbook and essay demonstrating the context in which their portfolio exists, exploring the relevant genre, subject matter, movement or historical framework of the selected theme. Component 02: Externally set task Students can choose a starting point from any of the seven given themes for which they will generate an appropriate personal response for assessment. They will carry out preparatory work to research, plan and develop their ideas, before engaging in 15 allocated hours of supervised time to complete their final piece. Various trips support teaching and provide students with the opportunity to engage directly with art and photography whilst offering them locations to carry out research first-hand. Recent study trips have visited Liverpool and Manchester galleries, Pitt Rivers and Ashmolean in Oxford, and the V&A as well as The National Portrait Gallery in London. We offer regular artists and designer workshops, as well as Photoshop skills tutorials and our studios are open for extra study periods during lunchtimes and after school twice weekly.