OCR A-Level Art and Design
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Course OCR-A-Level-Art-and-Design
Course version · OCR-A-Level-Art-and-DesignVersion from Mar 2026Change version
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53 topics
Content of Art and Design36 topics
- Graphic Communication (H602) — Areas of Study
- Three-Dimensional Design (H605) — Skills
- Critical and Contextual Studies (H606)
- Textile Design (H604)
- Three-Dimensional Design (H605) — Knowledge and Understanding
- Fine Art (H601) — Overview
- Fine Art (H601) — Techniques
- Fine Art (H601) — Areas of Study
- Graphic Communication (H602) — Techniques
- Three-Dimensional Design (H605) — Techniques
- Fine Art (H601) — Knowledge and Understanding
- Graphic Communication (H602) — Overview
12 of 36 shown
Content of Art, Craft and Design6 topics
Course topics11 topics
- Core Content of A Level in Art and Design
- Core Skills
- Component 01: Personal investigation
- Element 2: Related study
- Element 1: Practical portfolio
- Scope and Context
- Content of A Level in Art and Design (H600-H606)
- Summary of Specialisms and related Areas of Study
- Component 02: Externally set task
- Core Knowledge and Understanding
- Approaches
Assessment and exam guidance
What Gets Top Grades
A*/Grade 9
Knowledge & Understanding
Demonstrates comprehensive and accurate knowledge
- Uses correct subject-specific terminology
- Shows detailed understanding of concepts
- Makes accurate connections between topics
- Demonstrates depth beyond surface-level knowledge
Application
Applies knowledge effectively to new contexts
- Selects relevant knowledge for the question
- Adapts understanding to unfamiliar scenarios
- Uses examples appropriately
- Shows awareness of context
Analysis & Evaluation
Develops sophisticated analytical arguments
- Constructs logical chains of reasoning
- Considers multiple perspectives
- Weighs evidence to reach justified conclusions
- Acknowledges limitations and nuances
Key Command Words
OCR
State
1 mark
Give a single fact or term
Identify
1 mark
Name or select
Describe
2-4 marks
Account of process or features
Explain
3-6 marks
Give reasons with BUSINESS-FACING outcomes
Analyse
6-9 marks
Examine methodically showing cause→effect→outcome
Evaluate
9-12 marks
Judge, weigh up evidence, reach SYNOPTIC conclusion
Tips and common mistakes
Common Exam Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exams
- •Simplistic ideas with minimal reference to contextual or other sources
- •Unfocused investigation
- •Minimal ability to select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques, and processes
- •Limited evidence of review and refinement of work as it develops
- •Superficial connections between visual and other elements
- •Failing to work in at least two specialisms.
- •Lack of integration between practical work and the related study.
- •Insufficient evidence of drawing skills appropriate to the specialisms.
Top Examiner Tips
Expert advice for exam success
- •Ensure the related study is separate and clearly identifiable from contextual research embedded in the practical portfolio
- •Use the preparatory period for the Externally set task to research, plan, and develop ideas, but do not amend or develop preparatory work during or after the 15-hour supervised time
- •Ensure all source material and research for the related study are listed in a bibliography
- •Use the full range of marks available by meeting the 'best-fit' band descriptors
- •Demonstrate a clear, sustained line of reasoning from intention to realisation
- •Ensure the related study is clearly identifiable and separate from the contextual research embedded in the practical portfolio.
- •Use the 'best-fit' approach when applying marking criteria.
- •Select and present work carefully to ensure evidence of all assessment objectives is clear.
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