Art and Design (Critical Studies)

Assessment

• Unit 1: The Personal investigation (60%) Students build a portfolio of investigatory work which explores the context in which art, design and architecture are made, the cultural pressures and influences which shape it and in which it exists. The portfolio will explore ideas around chosen themes, such as the human figure in art, representations of women in art, architecture and the built environment. Students will be able to shape their investigations around their interests. The research will take the form of sketchbook-based enquiry, balancing written and visual materials. Formal and visual analysis lies at the heart of understanding artwork. Students will develop skills in extended written analysis accompanied by relevant visual research. Comparative analysis in the differentiation between styles, genres, subject matter and historical cultures allied to an understanding of practical techniques and materials and how they affect meaning. • The External Assignment (40%) This is a timed project over six to eight weeks in which students respond to one of several starting points set by the board, and make a personal investigation culminating in an exhibition of their work and ideas.