How to Revise A-Level Art & Design

Develop your A-Level Art & Design practice with guidance on critical analysis, personal investigation, and portfolio development.

Revision Strategy

Revising Art & Design is different from most academic subjects because it involves a significant practical or performance component alongside written analysis. Balance your revision between developing your practical skills and preparing for the written elements. Neglecting either side will limit your overall grade.

For the analytical and written components, build your subject-specific vocabulary. Being able to describe techniques, styles, and creative choices using precise terminology demonstrates your understanding and lifts your answers above generic description. Create a glossary of key terms for each area of study and use them consistently in your practice answers.

Study a range of practitioners, artists, or works beyond your set pieces. Having a broader frame of reference allows you to make more sophisticated comparisons and shows the examiner that you understand the wider context of the discipline. Keep concise notes on key influences, techniques, and the historical or cultural context of the works you study.

Study Tips for A-Level Art & Design

✓ Annotate your sketchbook work thoughtfully — explain your creative decisions, analyse the artists who have influenced you, and reflect on what worked and what you would do differently. Examiners assess your thinking process, not just the finished outcomes.
✓ Research artists and designers who are relevant to your project theme in depth, not breadth. Studying three artists thoroughly and showing how they have specifically influenced your own practice is more effective than briefly mentioning ten.
✓ Experiment with materials and techniques that push you outside your comfort zone. Moderators want to see risk-taking and development — a perfect but predictable portfolio scores lower than one that shows genuine exploration and growth.
✓ Manage your time carefully by working backwards from the deadline. A-Level Art requires sustained effort over many months, and leaving the final outcomes to the last weeks results in rushed work that does not reflect your true ability.

Exam Tips for A-Level Art & Design

✓ In the externally set assignment, use the preparation period strategically — develop multiple ideas, research relevant artists, and produce preparatory studies so that your supervised time is focused on creating the final outcome rather than still deciding on your concept.
✓ Ensure your portfolio tells a clear visual narrative. The moderator should be able to follow your creative journey from initial research through experimentation to refined final pieces without needing verbal explanation.
✓ Present your work professionally. Mount or display pieces carefully, ensure annotations are legible, and organise your sketchbooks so they are easy to navigate. Presentation quality influences the overall impression of your portfolio.

Topics to Cover

8 topics in A-Level Art & Design

Personal Investigation

Critical Analysis

Drawing & Painting

Printmaking

Photography

Sculpture

Mixed Media

Externally Set Assignment

Available Exam Boards

A-Level Art & Design specification guides for each exam board

AQA Edexcel OCR WJEC

Frequently Asked Questions

How is A-Level Art and Design assessed? +

Assessment is based on a personal investigation portfolio (typically worth 60%) including written analysis of around 1,000-3,000 words, and an externally set assignment (worth 40%) that includes a preparation period and supervised hours to produce a final outcome. There are no written exams in the traditional sense.

How much time does A-Level Art take? +

A-Level Art is one of the most time-intensive A-Levels. Expect to spend significant time outside lessons on sketchbook work, research, and developing outcomes. Many students report spending more independent study time on Art than any other subject. Good time management is essential.

Do I need A-Level Art to study art at university? +

Most art and design degree courses require a portfolio rather than a specific A-Level, and many students enter through a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. However, A-Level Art provides excellent portfolio preparation and demonstrates commitment to creative practice. For architecture, some universities specifically require or prefer Art or Design Technology.

What careers does A-Level Art and Design lead to? +

Art and Design leads to careers in graphic design, illustration, fine art, architecture, animation, fashion design, photography, film and television, set design, museum curation, art therapy, and creative direction in advertising.

Start Revising Art & Design Free

Join the waitlist and be among the first to access UpGrades when we launch

Join the Waitlist