Content of Art, Craft and Design: Combined Specialisms (H600) — Techniques

The 'Techniques' component of the OCR A-Level Art and Design: Combined Specialisms (H600) course focuses on the practical skills and processes used across art, craft, and design disciplines. This includes drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, ceramics, digital media, and more. Students are expected to develop proficiency in a range of techniques, understanding how materials and processes can be manipulated to achieve specific aesthetic and conceptual outcomes. Mastery of techniques is essential for creating a cohesive body of work that demonstrates both technical competence and creative exploration.

This topic is central to the course because it underpins all practical work. Whether you are producing a painting, a ceramic vessel, or a digital illustration, the techniques you employ directly affect the visual impact and meaning of your work. The course encourages experimentation and risk-taking, so you must be willing to try new methods and combine techniques in innovative ways. Understanding the properties of materials—such as the drying time of acrylics, the flexibility of clay, or the resolution of digital images—allows you to make informed decisions and achieve desired effects.

In the wider context of the A-Level, techniques are assessed through the Personal Investigation (60% of total marks) and the Externally Set Task (40%). Examiners look for evidence of technical skill, but also for how you have used techniques to develop your ideas and respond to your chosen theme. A strong portfolio will show a journey of experimentation, from initial exploration to refined outcomes, with clear links between your techniques and your artistic intentions.