Art, Craft & Design

Why choose Art, Craft & Design?

Areas of Study

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 below.

The area(s) of study selected for Component 1 can be the same as, or different to, those selected for Component 2.

Skills and Techniques

Scholars will be expected to demonstrate skills, as defined in Overarching knowledge, understanding and skills, in the context of their chosen areas of study.

Fine art (examples)

• drawing
• sculpture
• printmaking
• painting
• ceramics
• photography
• mixed-media
• installation
• moving image (video, film, animation)

Graphic communication (examples)

• interactive media (including web, app and game design)
• design for print
• motion graphics
• advertising
• illustration
• branding
• design for film and television
• packaging design
• communication graphics
• multimedia

Textile Design (examples)

• fashion design
• digital textiles
• interior design
• constructed textiles
• fashion textiles
• printed and/or dyed fabrics and materials
• art textiles
• costume design
• domestic textiles
• wallpaper
• installed textiles

Three-dimensional design (examples)

• ceramics
• design for theatre, television and film
• jewellery/body ornament
• 3D digital design
• sculpture
• interior design
• environmental design
• exhibition design
• product design
• architectural design

Photography (examples)

• example portraiture
• documentary photography
• experimental imagery
• moving image (video, film, animation)
• landscape photography
• photojournalism
• multimedia
• still life photography
• fashion photography
• photographic installation

Assessments

A-level Art prepares you to produce two major pieces of assessed work. The first is a personal investigation, which allows you to devise and put together a personal body of creative coursework, including extensive practical work, a 3,000 word illustrated essay and a fully developed and resolved Final Piece Project. You do this without time limits, during the course

The second practical component is called the externally set 'Timed Test'. On the 1st of February in your final year, the exam board publishes its Timed Test Paper which suggests a theme and possible starting points for you to work on. For the next three months you work extensively on your chosen theme, and you then sit a Timed Test, where you have a total of 15 hours under exam conditions to create and complete a personal, creative Final Piece.

Component 1: Personal investigation

Non-exam assessment (NEA) set and marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre.

• 96 marks
• 60% of A-level

Component 2: Externally set assignment

Non-exam assessment (NEA) set by AQA, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre.

• 96 marks
• 40% of A-level

Useful Links

Course Information

AQA A Level Art, Craft & Design

Possible Degree Options

Possible Career Options