Art and Design

Assessment

Unit 1: Portfolio (30%) The portfolio is an exploratory investigation over the first year of the course in which students build a diverse and substantial folder of work. Work is based around two themes and the focus is on investigation skills and experimentation rather than resolved outcomes. Students will develop their ideas through sketchbook exploration, and study the working practices and contexts of a range of related artists, designers and creative practitioners. They will be encouraged to be independent, inventive and bold, and to visit exhibitions to inform their work. Unit 2: Critical and Contextual Study (30%) The critical and contextual study is a written essay of 3000–3500 words with relevant illustrations. The focus of the study is an aspect of the visual arts of interest to the candidate. The title and subject of the critical and contextual study is expected to evolve through ideas generated by candidates during either the first or second year of the course. With guidance from the teacher, candidates develop their focus and title for their study. Visits to exhibitions and museums will help students to narrow their focus. The Critical Study will be written during the second year of the course. Unit 3: Project (40%) – Year 13 The project involves the development of a sustained piece of studio practice culminating into a fully resolved piece or body of work. The ‘starting point’ for the Project is set by the Cambridge exam board and is given to students at the end of the first year. Students are encouraged to investigate and explore mediums and processes that inspire them and to build a body of informed work that culminates in ambitious and individual resolutions. Project work will be exhibited at the end of the course.