Art and Design AS and A Level

AS- As well as forming the first 50% of the Advanced Level, the AS may be used as a stand -alone qualification.

The AS course will build upon the knowledge and understanding normally developed in the GCSE. AS will be accredited in its own right but it will also provide a foundation for those wishing to proceed to a full Advanced level award. The emphasis at As will be on the development of the integrated practical and theoretical understanding of methods, processes, historical and critical studies.

A2 - The A2 will be more demanding than the As. The A2 course will build on the AS and will allow for greater depth of experience and study, for example, greater specialization in a medium or process, further development of a particular theme or idea. More sophisticated analysis and expression in the context of historical/critical/contextual studies will also be necessary.

There are 4 units which make up the As and A2 Level. You must complete Units 1 and 2 for the As award. For the A2 Level qualification you must go on to complete units 3 and 4. Each unit of work is assessed separately using four Assessment Objectives. These have equal weighting and are used both for Coursework and Controlled Test Units.

Assessment objectives

AO1 Develop their ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

AO2 Experiment with and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining their ideas as their work develops.

AO3 Record in visual and/or other forms ideas, observations and insights relevant to their intentions, demonstrating an ability to reflect on their work and progress.

AO4 Present a personal, informed and meaningful response demonstrating critical understanding, realising intentions and, where appropriate, making connections between
visual, written, oral or other elements.

For detailed information on the Art and Design Specification visit the AQA web site
www.aqa.org.uk

At KEQMS we introduce to the students a number of different media and encourage different techniques in development of their ideas. ICT is used to gather art appreciation and for digital photography, scanning and editing.

Moderators for the AS and A2 commented that all candidates were engaged in a range of well thought out assignments, providing them with opportunities to respond successfully and considerable ambition was evident in the original approaches taken.
Post A level - Students have gone on to Art Foundation Courses and Universities to study Fine Art and History of Art. A level Art is also an important subject when applying for courses in architecture, landscape design, media studies and teaching courses.