How do I revise Content of A Level in Art and Design (H600-H606) for OCR A-Level?

Ensure the portfolio is viewed as a whole to demonstrate the journey of the creative process.

What exam tips are there for Content of A Level in Art and Design (H600-H606)? (2)

Carefully select, organise, and present work to ensure evidence of meeting all four assessment objectives is clear.

What exam tips are there for Content of A Level in Art and Design (H600-H606)? (3)

Ensure contextual referencing is evidenced through evaluation of historical and contemporary practitioners, creative industries, societies, cultures, and popular culture.

What mistakes should I avoid in Content of A Level in Art and Design (H600-H606)?

Using OCR-produced exemplar material for summative assessment.

What are common errors in Content of A Level in Art and Design (H600-H606) exams? (2)

Failure to clearly distinguish the learner's own work from collected or transposed material.

Content of A Level in Art and Design (H600-H606)

OCR

A-Level

Element 1: Practical portfolio is a component of the Personal investigation (Component 01). It requires learners to produce a sustained project, theme, or course of study in response to a centre-set or learner-set starting point, brief, scenario, or stimulus. Learners must develop a personal response leading to finished realisation(s) or outcome(s), providing evidence of all four assessment objectives through careful selection and presentation of work.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Topic Overview

The OCR A Level in Art and Design (H600-H606) is a dynamic and rigorous qualification that allows students to explore their creative potential across a range of disciplines, including fine art, graphic communication, textile design, three-dimensional design, and photography. The course is structured around four components: Component 01 (Personal Investigation) is a portfolio of practical work supported by a written element of 1000–3000 words, worth 60% of the total A Level. Component 02 (Externally Set Task) is a practical exam with a preparatory period and a 15-hour supervised test, worth 40%. This qualification emphasizes the development of critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and technical proficiency, preparing students for further study or careers in the creative industries.

The Personal Investigation (Component 01) is the cornerstone of the A Level, requiring students to develop a coherent body of work based on a personal theme or issue. This component includes a written element that must be integrated with the practical work, demonstrating analytical and contextual understanding. Students are expected to research artists, designers, and cultures, experiment with materials and processes, and refine their ideas to produce a final outcome. The Externally Set Task (Component 02) provides a choice of themes set by OCR, from which students select one to develop over a preparatory period, culminating in a 15-hour supervised exam where they produce a final piece. Both components assess the four assessment objectives: AO1 (Develop ideas through investigations), AO2 (Refine work through experimentation), AO3 (Record ideas, observations, and insights), and AO4 (Present a personal and meaningful response).

Studying A Level Art and Design with OCR is not just about making art; it's about learning to think like an artist. The course encourages students to take risks, challenge conventions, and develop a personal visual language. It is ideal for those who are passionate about visual culture and want to build a portfolio for university applications in art, design, architecture, or related fields. The skills gained—such as visual literacy, research, and critical analysis—are transferable to many careers, from advertising to museum curation. MasteryMind provides resources to help students navigate the assessment objectives, develop their sketchbooks, and prepare for the externally set task, ensuring they can achieve their full potential.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Evidence of independent development of ideas through sustained and focused investigations.
Material informed by contextual and other sources that informs the development of practical work.
Evidence of all four assessment objectives (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4) across the submission as a whole.
Appropriate selection and presentation of work (e.g., sketchbooks, mounted sheets, maquettes, prototypes, digital presentations, animation, scale models, or illustrated written work).
Demonstration of critical and contextual understanding embedded throughout investigative processes, research, and practical work.
Evidence of drawing skills appropriate to the chosen specialism.
Evidence of the ability to review and refine work as it progresses.

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Evidence of independent development of ideas through sustained and focused investigations.
Material informed by contextual and other sources that informs the development of practical work.
Evidence of all four assessment objectives (AO1, AO2, AO3, AO4) across the submission as a whole.
Appropriate selection and presentation of work (e.g., sketchbooks, mounted sheets, maquettes, prototypes, digital presentations, animation, scale models, or illustrated written work).
Demonstration of critical and contextual understanding embedded throughout investigative processes, research, and practical work.
Evidence of drawing skills appropriate to the chosen specialism.
Evidence of the ability to review and refine work as it progresses.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Ensure the portfolio is viewed as a whole to demonstrate the journey of the creative process.
💡Carefully select, organise, and present work to ensure evidence of meeting all four assessment objectives is clear.
💡Ensure contextual referencing is evidenced through evaluation of historical and contemporary practitioners, creative industries, societies, cultures, and popular culture.
💡Use the 'best-fit' approach when applying marking criteria.
💡Ensure the standard applied in marking is consistent with the requirements for the chosen specialism.

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Using OCR-produced exemplar material for summative assessment.
Failure to clearly distinguish the learner's own work from collected or transposed material.
Lack of evidence for all four assessment objectives.
Insufficient evidence of critical and contextual understanding.
Failure to identify and acknowledge all sources consulted in a bibliography.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Develop

Explore

Select

Record

Present

Refine

Analyse

Evaluate

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Content of A Level in Art and Design (H600-H606)

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in OCR A-Level Art and Design

Approaches

Component 01: Personal investigation

Component 02: Externally set task

Content of Art and Design: Critical and Contextual Studies (H606)

Content of A Level in Art and Design (H600-H606)

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Personal Investigation and the Externally Set Task?

How long should the written element be in the Personal Investigation?

Can I use digital media in my A Level Art and Design coursework?

What happens if I don't finish my final piece in the 15-hour exam?

How is my work assessed?

Do I need to visit galleries or museums for my coursework?

Likely Command Words

Ready to test yourself?

Related Topics in OCR A-Level Art and Design

Approaches

Component 01: Personal investigation

Component 02: Externally set task

Content of Art and Design: Critical and Contextual Studies (H606)