What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Art and Design?

Keep a sketchbook or journal to record your process.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Art and Design? (2)

Experiment with different materials and techniques early on.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Art and Design? (3)

Regularly step back and critically evaluate your work.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Art and Design? (4)

Use a structured approach: describe, analyse, interpret, evaluate.

What should I focus on for Pearson A-Level Art and Design? (5)

Keep a reflective journal throughout the investigation.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Art and Design?

Rushing the investigation phase without thorough exploration.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Art and Design? (2)

Sticking to one idea without considering alternatives.

What are common mistakes in Pearson A-Level Art and Design? (3)

Not documenting the refinement process adequately.

Art and Design

Pearson

A-Level

Specification: 601/4958/9

This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

Topics

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

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Key Features

Master key concepts
Develop exam technique
Apply knowledge effectively

Assessment Objectives

AO1

25%-30%

Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding

AO2

25%-30%

Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops

AO3

25%-30%

Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress

AO4

25%-30%

Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements

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

Pearson

State

1 mark

Give a single fact or term

Identify

1 mark

Name, select, or recognise

Outline

2 marks

Set out main features briefly

Describe

2-4 marks

Give an account of what something is like or what happens

Explain

3-6 marks

Give reasons with developed cause→effect chains

Compare

2-4 marks

State similarities AND differences (both required)

Analyse

6-9 marks

Examine in detail showing cause→effect→consequence chains

Evaluate

6-12 marks

Weigh up BOTH sides, reach JUSTIFIED conclusion

Assess

6-12 marks

Make judgments about importance with justification

Calculate

2-4 marks

Show formula→substitution→calculation→answer with units

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Rushing the investigation phase without thorough exploration.
•Sticking to one idea without considering alternatives.
•Not documenting the refinement process adequately.
•Describing rather than analysing or evaluating.
•Failing to link personal intentions to final outcomes.
•Over-relying on description of sources without critical engagement.
•Jumping to a final outcome without sufficient exploration or documentation of the creative process.
•Failing to annotate or reflect on experiments, leaving assessors to interpret intentions.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Keep a sketchbook or journal to record your process.
•Experiment with different materials and techniques early on.
•Regularly step back and critically evaluate your work.
•Use a structured approach: describe, analyse, interpret, evaluate.
•Keep a reflective journal throughout the investigation.
•Use specific examples to support your points.
•Maintain a visual journal or sketchbook that records every stage of development, including dead ends and failed experiments—they show critical thinking.
•Regularly annotate your work with reflective commentary explaining why you made specific choices and how you might improve.

Specification Topics

3 topics

Personal Investigation

This topic covers practical work in a personal investigation, focusing on developing ideas through sustained research, selecting appropriate resources, and refining work progressively.

Practical work, Written element

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls2 subtopics

E2E stub topic

This subtopic focuses on the sustained development and refinement of a personal creative project, from initial concept through to final outcome. Students are expected to demonstrate in-depth exploration of ideas, critical reflection, and the ability to synthesise research with practical experimentation. The emphasis is on evidencing a coherent journey of artistic growth and independent decision-making.

E2E stub subtopic

0 objectives4 tips5 pitfalls

Externally Set Assignment

Preparatory period for an externally set assignment. Learners respond to a theme, research and develop ideas, and select appropriate materials and processes.

Preparatory period, Timed examination

0 objectives6 tips6 pitfalls2 subtopics

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