Seven specialisms are available:

• Art, craft and design (H600)
• Fine art (H601)
• Graphic communication (H602)
• Photography (H603)
• Textile design (H604)
• Three-dimensional design (H605)
• Critical and contextual studies (H606)

For all seven specialisms, students must complete both components (01 and 02) to be awarded the OCR A Level in Art and Design.

Assessment overview

Content overview

Component 01: Personal investigation

There are two distinct elements:

• A practical portfolio with supporting contextual research in response to a set theme. The portfolio may be presented in a format appropriate to the specialism and area of study chosen.
• A related study using words and illustrations demonstrating the context in which their portfolio exists, exploring the relevant genre, subject matter, movement or historical framework of the selected theme.

Component 02: Externally set task

Students can choose a starting point from any of the seven given themes for which they will generate an appropriate personal response for assessment. They will carry out preparatory work to research, plan and develop their ideas, before engaging in 15 hours of supervised time to complete their work.

Seven specialisms are available:

• Art, craft and design (H200)
• Fine art (H201)
• Graphic communication (H202)
• Photography (H203)
• Textile design (H204)
• Three-dimensional design (H205)
• Critical and contextual studies (H206)

Assessment overview

Content overview

Component 01: Personal investigation (portfolio) task

Students produce a portfolio of practical work showing their personal response to a set starting point, brief, scenario or stimulus. The portfolio may be presented in appropriate formats for the specification title they are following and chosen area of study, including sketchbooks, digital presentations, mounted sheets, maquettes, prototypes, animated work, scale models or illustrated written work. The portfolio must provide evidence that the student has met all four assessment objectives.