ISoM Level 1 Award in Visual Arts - Painting [Grade 2]
This topic requires learners to demonstrate technical skills in painting, create original artwork exploring ideas and themes, and show artistic understanding and reflective awareness. The final body of work should be coherent and presented appropriately.
Assessment criteria
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
The ISoM Level 1 Award in Creative Industries Practice (Grade 2) in Dance & Performing Arts assesses foundational performance skills, creative response, and technical control. It covers safe practice, rhythm, coordination, and expressive performance, preparing students for further vocational study.
Topic Overview
This qualification introduces students to the creative industries, focusing on dance and performing arts. At Grade 2, you build on basic skills to develop coordination, rhythm, and expressive quality. You learn to perform short routines and create your own movement ideas, which is essential for any performer.
The course covers three main areas: performance (technique and execution), creation (choreography and improvisation), and response (evaluating your own and others' work). You will study safe practice, including warm-ups and injury prevention, and learn to use space, dynamics, and relationships to communicate meaning.
This award is a stepping stone to higher grades and vocational training. It helps you understand how the industry works, from rehearsals to performance, and develops transferable skills like confidence, teamwork, and creativity. Success here prepares you for GCSE Dance or vocational courses.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Action: what you do (e.g., travel, turn, jump, gesture).
- →Space: where you move (levels, pathways, directions, size).
- →Dynamics: how you move (fast/slow, strong/light, sudden/sustained).
- →Relationships: who or what you dance with (partner, group, props).
- →Safe practice: warming up, cooling down, and using correct technique to prevent injury.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Demonstrate appropriate technical skills relevant to the discipline and level through the production of practical work.Create original visual artwork that explores a range of ideas, themes, or stylistic approaches appropriate to the level.Demonstrate artistic understanding, creative intention and reflective awareness through the production and presentation of a coherent body of work.
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Demonstrate appropriate painting techniques (e.g., brushwork, colour mixing).
- Create original artwork that explores a range of ideas or themes.
- Show reflective awareness through annotation or evaluation.
- Present a coherent body of work that demonstrates artistic intention.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Experiment with different painting styles and techniques.
- 💡Keep a sketchbook to document ideas and reflections.
- 💡Ensure your final presentation is well-organised and clearly communicates your intentions.
- 💡Always warm up before any practical exam – it prevents injury and shows professionalism.
- 💡When performing, project your energy to the audience – use eye contact and focus to engage them.
- 💡In the creative response, don't just repeat what you've learned – add your own twist to show originality.
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Lack of variety in techniques or subject matter.
- Not reflecting on the creative process or outcomes.
- Presenting work that is disjointed or lacks a clear theme.
- Misconception: Dynamics only means speed. Correction: Dynamics include force (strong/light) and flow (free/bound), not just tempo.
- Misconception: You must always smile when performing. Correction: Facial expression should match the mood of the piece, not be forced.
- Misconception: Choreography is just copying steps. Correction: It involves selecting and organising movements to express an idea, with structure and variety.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Focus on technique – practise basic steps (skips, gallops, turns) daily for 15 minutes, and learn a short routine.
- 2Week 2: Work on creativity – improvise to different music styles and create a 30-second phrase using at least two dynamics and three levels.
- 3Week 3: Combine performance and response – film yourself performing, then evaluate using the assessment criteria (technique, expression, use of space).
- 4Week 4: Mock exam – perform your full routine under timed conditions, then review and refine.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋Practical performance: You will perform a set routine and a self-chosen phrase. Practise to music and focus on accuracy and expression.
- 📋Creative response: You will be given a stimulus (e.g., a picture or piece of music) and asked to create a short movement piece. Plan your ideas and rehearse.
- 📋Written questions: Short-answer questions on safe practice, technique, and performance skills. Use correct terminology and give examples.
- 📋Evaluation: You may be asked to watch a performance (your own or a video) and comment on strengths and improvements. Be specific and constructive.
Command Word Expectations (INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSICIANS )
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
Give a detailed account of something – include what it looks like, how it is done, and key features. For example, describe a movement phrase by naming the actions and dynamics.
Give reasons or causes – show why something happens or how it works. For example, explain why warming up is important before dance.
Make a judgement based on criteria – discuss strengths and weaknesses, and give a balanced conclusion. For example, evaluate your own performance and suggest improvements.
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Common mark loss traps and how to write 100% full-mark answers
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Detailed solution breakdown for typical exam problems
Question: Describe how you would use dynamics and space to express a happy mood in a short dance phrase (6 marks).
- 1.Step 1: Identify the mood – happy – and choose appropriate dynamics (e.g., light, bouncy, fast).
- 2.Step 2: Select space elements – use high levels, wide pathways, and travel in circular or zigzag patterns.
- 3.Step 3: Combine dynamics and space – e.g., leap high with a light, quick movement, then skip in a circle.
- 4.Step 4: Justify your choices – explain how these elements convey happiness (e.g., lightness suggests joy, high levels suggest energy).
Question: Explain how you would ensure safe practice when performing a floor sequence that includes a roll (4 marks).
- 1.Step 1: Identify the risk – rolling on the floor can cause injury to the spine or neck.
- 2.Step 2: Describe preparation – warm up thoroughly, especially the spine and shoulders.
- 3.Step 3: Explain technique – tuck the chin, keep the back rounded, and roll along the diagonal of the back.
- 4.Step 4: Mention environment – ensure the floor is clean and non-slip, and have enough space around you.
Active Recall Memory Test
Test your memory before revealing the key facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSICIANS ISoM Level 1 Award in Visual Arts - Painting [Grade 2]
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •Basic understanding of rhythm and counting music (e.g., 4/4 time).
- •Some experience of dance or movement, such as school PE or community classes.
- •Knowledge of simple dance terminology like 'plié' or 'tendu' (helpful but not essential).
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Demonstrate appropriate technical skills relevant to the discipline and level through the production of practical work.Create original visual artwork that explores a range of ideas, themes, or stylistic approaches appropriate to the level.Demonstrate artistic understanding, creative intention and reflective awareness through the production and presentation of a coherent body of work.
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