Below you will find an outline of the curriculum content delivered across the year. Please be aware that this is only an outline, and therefore at times content may cut across different half terms or may be moved as required. For a detailed breakdown of what you will be tested on in the assessment windows, please check the year group page.

Year 12 Content
Advent 1
  • Introduction to the course including a brief outline of the exam board’s expectations and understanding of the assessment objectives.
  • Introducing new materials, equipment, techniques. Developing and revisiting  skills and  knowledge from GCSE.
  • Drawing from life – negative space, tone, light, colour, scale, media, mark-making,…
  • Mini 3 week project – Theme to be set by teacher
Advent 2
  • Development project – preparatory studies and final piece covering all 4 assessment objectives working on a starting point taken from a past exam paper. Students will develop idea and to present a personal response to the title. They will investigate their ideas by producing visual research studies which explore the potential of the theme using techniques such as photography, drawing, colour studies including paint and also experimenting with different media and techniques.
  • Structure and organisation of sketchbooks
  • Different ways of researching and investigating ideas through drawing, colour studies, photography and note-taking.
  • Learn to handle a range of media for developing ideas.
  • Learn effective ways of using critical / contextual materials. Learn how to analyse and respond to works of art using a variety of methods including appropriate written annotations.
  • Introduce personal study and students to start formulating their starting point.
Lent 1 Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%)

Practical project:
An in-depth study on a focus chosen by the student informed by the gallery diary
All 4 assessment objectives covered showing a clear connection between initial intentions and final outcome.

Written element:
An illustrated essay of 1000 – 3000 words of a critical, analytical nature linked to the practical project.
The essay should include their intentions, influences on their work, reasons for making decisions and an evaluation of the project.
Lent 2 Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%)
Trinity 1 Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%)
Trinity 2 Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%)