How to Revise International A-Level Art & Design

Develop your International A-Level Art & Design with guidance on personal investigation, critical analysis, and studio work.

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 International A-Level Art & Design

✓ Develop a personal visual language by experimenting with multiple media, techniques and approaches. International A-Level examiners want to see an individual creative voice, not imitation of a single style.
✓ Research artists, designers and movements thoroughly and write analytical annotations explaining how they have influenced your own work.
✓ Document your entire creative process with photographs, sketches and written reflections. The journey of development is assessed as rigorously as the final outcomes.
✓ Spend time on observational drawing from life. Strong drawing skills underpin all areas of art and design and are assessed at every level.

Exam Tips for International A-Level Art & Design

✓ Begin preparation for the externally set assignment as early as possible. The most successful responses show extensive preparatory work exploring the theme from multiple angles.
✓ In your portfolio, show clear progression from initial ideas to refined outcomes. Examiners want to see how your thinking has evolved, not just finished pieces.
✓ Annotate your work meaningfully. Explain your intentions, evaluate your experiments and justify your creative decisions with reference to artists and contexts.

Topics to Cover

8 topics in International A-Level Art & Design

Personal Investigation

Critical Analysis

Drawing & Painting

Printmaking

Photography

Sculpture

Mixed Media

Externally Set Assignment

Available Exam Boards

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

Cambridge International Edexcel International

Frequently Asked Questions

How is International A-Level Art and Design assessed? +

Assessment is typically based on a portfolio of coursework (60%) and an externally set examination assignment (40%). The portfolio demonstrates sustained creative investigation, while the exam tests the ability to respond to a theme within a set preparation and examination period.

Do I need a portfolio to apply for art school? +

Yes. Most art and design degree courses require a portfolio for admission. Your International A-Level Art and Design portfolio provides excellent material, but you may need to supplement it with additional personal work depending on the course requirements.

Can I specialise in digital art or photography? +

This depends on the options available from your exam board and school. Many International A-Level Art and Design specifications include photography, digital media and graphic design as specialist endorsements or options.

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