Entry Requirements
Sixth Form Entry Criteria:
A minimum of 5 9-5 GCSE grades, which must include a grade 5 or above in either English Language or English Literature.
Special Entry Requirements:
- 5+ in a creative subject (Art / Media / Design Technology)
Students must be prepared to work long hours outside lesson time to regularly review the topics covered.
English Language or English Literature 5
Creative Subject 5
Assessment Information
There are 4 components; two each year.
Year 12
Component 1: Portfolio
The emphasis of this component will be on the development of understanding and skills using
an appropriate range of materials, processes and techniques.
Component 2: Mock examination
A set assignment with a choice of topics. Preparatory period – 8 weeks with supervised final piece – 10 hours
Year 13
Component 1: Personal Investigation
This is a practical component supported by written material. Students are expected to develop a personal investigation based on an idea, issue, concept or theme leading to a final outcome. This may be a finished single outcome or a series of related finished outcomes. This should demonstrate the students’ ability to sustain work from an initial starting point to a realisation. It should include evidence of their ability to research and develop ideas and link their work in a meaningful way to relevant critical/contextual materials.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment
Students will be provided with examination papers on 1 February, or as soon as possible after that date:
Preparatory work should be presented in any suitable format, such as mounted sheets, design sheets, sketchbooks, workbooks, journals and models.
• Choice of eight questions to be used as starting points. Students are required to select a tone.
• An externally set assignment with a choice of 8 topics. Lead-in Preparatory period – 10 weeks with supervised final piece – 15 hours
Assessment | Topic Area | Duration | Value |
Component 1 | Portfolio | 96 Marks | 60% |
Component 2 | Examination | 96 Marks | 40% |
Non-Exam Assessment | Set by AQA, marked by the centre and moderated by AQA during a visit to the centre. | Visits will normally take place in June. | |