What is this course about?

The AQA A Level in Art & Design provides a variety of experiences that explore a range of two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, processes and techniques. Students will develop their skills using both traditional and new media. They will learn skills in fine art, graphic communication, textile design, three-dimensional design and photography.

Students explore relevant images, artefacts and resources relating to a range of art, craft and design, from the past and from recent times, including European and non-European examples. This is integral to the investigating and making processes. Students’ responses to these examples will be shown through practical and critical activities that demonstrate their understanding of different styles, genres and traditions.

What content is on the course?

Within each component, students must demonstrate evidence that they have explored critical and contextual work through a range of two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional processes and media.

• Component 1: must show evidence of working in areas of study drawn from two or more of the endorsed titles listed below.
• Component 2: must show evidence of areas of study drawn from one or more of the endorsed titles listed below. The area(s) of study selected for Component 1 can be the same as, or different to, those selected for Component 2.

The A Level Art, Craft and Design (AQA) content is in 5 topics:

• Fine art: for example drawing, painting, mixed-media, sculpture, ceramics, installation, printmaking, moving image (video, film, animation) and photography.
• Graphic communication: for example interactive media (including web, app and game design), advertising, packaging design, design for print, illustration, communication graphics, branding, multimedia, motion graphics, design for film and television.
• Textile design: for example fashion design, fashion textiles, costume design, digital textiles, printed and/or dyed fabrics and materials, domestic textiles, wallpaper, interior design, constructed textiles, art textiles and installed textiles.
• Three-dimensional design: for example ceramics, sculpture, exhibition design, design for theatre, television and film, interior design, product design, environmental design, architectural design, jewellery/body ornament and 3D digital design.
• Photography: for example portraiture, landscape photography, still life photography, documentary photography, photojournalism, fashion photography, experimental imagery, multimedia, photographic installation and moving image (video, film, animation).

Course Assessment

• Component 1: Personal Investigation – 60% of A Level, internally assessed
• Component 2: Externally-set Assignment – 40% of A Level, externally assessed