Art and Design

    OCR
    GCSE

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

    20

    Topics

    0

    Objectives

    87

    Exam Tips

    96

    Pitfalls

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    Study Guides

    26 revision guides for OCR GCSE Art and Design

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    Assessment Objectives

    AO1
    25%

    Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources

    AO2
    25%

    Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes

    AO3
    25%

    Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses

    AO4
    25%

    Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language

    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

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Heavy reliance on low-quality secondary sources or internet printouts instead of direct observation from primary sources.
    • •Producing highly finished drawings without evidence of the developmental process, experimentation, or risk-taking.
    • •Superficial copying of artist styles without demonstrating an understanding of the underlying technique or intent.
    • •Failing to annotate drawings to explain the specific visual qualities being recorded or the media choices made.
    • •Reliance on secondary sources (internet printouts) without translating them into personal painted studies or primary observation.
    • •Superficial application of paint without exploring its material properties (e.g., treating acrylic solely as a flat colour block rather than exploring texture or layering).
    • •Disconnect between the artist research (AO1) and the final outcome (AO4); failing to carry forward the stylistic influence of the studied artist into the practical work.
    • •Insufficient recording of the development process; presenting a final piece without the necessary preparatory sketches or colour tests.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Prioritise primary source observation; drawings from life demonstrate higher perceptual skills than copies of flat images.
    • •Use rapid, gestural sketches to document initial thoughts alongside sustained, detailed studies to show breadth of recording.
    • •Annotate drawings to explain the choice of media and the specific visual qualities being recorded (e.g., 'using cross-hatching to mimic the artist's etching style').
    • •Ensure drawing is present throughout the portfolio, not just in the initial research phase, to evidence ongoing refinement.
    • •Annotate sketchbooks to explain *why* specific colour palettes or brushstrokes were selected, linking decisions directly to the artist research.
    • •Demonstrate the 'Refine' (AO2) process by keeping evidence of failed experiments; show how a muddy colour mix led to a corrected, cleaner mixture.
    • •Ensure the final piece is not just a larger version of a sketch, but a fully resolved painting that demonstrates mastery of the chosen medium.
    • •Ensure the substrate (base surface) is sufficiently robust (e.g., heavy GSM paper, board, canvas) to support the weight and moisture of mixed media applications.

    Specification Topics

    20 topics

    Drawing

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Painting

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Mixed Media

    0 objectives10 tips11 pitfalls3 subtopics

    Sculpture

    0 objectives9 tips11 pitfalls3 subtopics

    Printmaking

    0 objectives10 tips10 pitfalls3 subtopics

    Photography

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Digital Art

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Drawing and Painting

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Installation Art

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Typography

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Illustration

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Branding and Identity

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Packaging Design

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Printed Textiles

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Constructed Textiles

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Surface Pattern

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Portraiture

    0 objectives4 tips4 pitfalls

    Landscape

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

    Documentary Photography

    0 objectives3 tips3 pitfalls

    Experimental

    0 objectives3 tips4 pitfalls

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