Visual Arts

Course summary

The structure of the course will be split into three sections which apply to both Higher Level and Standard Level: • Process Portfolio: 40% • Comparative Study: 20% • Exhibition: 40% However, these can be interlinked in some cases – for example for HL Students their Comparative Study must have examples of how they have explored the idea behind their comparative study practically through the Exhibition. The initial A3 foundation year is focused on the Process Portfolio, introducing pupils to a wide range to good art and design practices. The purpose is initially to give them clear and successful goals and outcomes and to enable them to acquire a range of skills, which will be a foundation for further study. The Comparative Study is introduced after the Easter Holidays. For SL students this can be completed before the second year because it doesn’t have to relate to their exhibition. Second-year pupils will select from an area covered in the foundation year and then specialise. This will also enable them to reflect on their own strengths and achievements. This will form the core of work for the Exhibition component of the course. The Comparative Study is related research activity where pupils put their own work in context by referring to artists and how they connect to their practice. The Comparative Study combines both visual and written research and should be between 1,000 and 3,000 words in length with visual transcriptions and studies and must be explicitly related to their major Exhibition project. The department will therefore make gallery visits during A3 and or A2 years.