Progression

Progression in Art and Design (AQA GCSE) refers to the development of ideas, skills, and outcomes throughout a project or portfolio. It is a core assessment objective (AO3) that requires students to show how their work evolves from initial research to final pieces. This involves experimenting with different media, techniques, and processes, and documenting the journey through annotations and sketchbook work. Progression demonstrates your ability to think critically, refine your ideas, and make informed creative decisions.

Understanding progression is crucial because it shows examiners that you can move beyond a single idea and explore multiple directions. It is not just about producing a series of images; it is about showing a clear narrative of how your thoughts and skills develop. This topic links directly to other assessment objectives, such as developing ideas (AO1) and recording observations (AO3), and it forms the backbone of a successful GCSE portfolio. Without clear progression, your work may appear disjointed or superficial.

In the wider subject, progression is a skill that extends beyond GCSE. It prepares you for A-level and further study, where independent development of ideas is key. In the exam, progression is assessed through your sketchbook and final outcomes. You need to show that you have considered different approaches, taken risks, and learned from mistakes. This is not about perfection but about showing a thoughtful, reflective process.