← Visual Arts syllabus

EnglandVisual Arts

The personal investigation

4 dot points across 4 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How do you choose a theme and question that can sustain a whole investigation?

Choosing a theme and shaping a focused personal question for the Personal Investigation (Component 1) that can sustain sustained, original development across both assessment elements.
A focused guide to choosing a theme and question for the AQA A-Level Art and Design Personal Investigation: how to pick a starting point that is personal, rich and open enough to sustain a whole project.
10 min answer →

How do you present a portfolio so examiners can see your whole journey?

Selecting, sequencing and presenting a portfolio of work so that development across all four assessment objectives is clear, coherent and well communicated.
A focused guide to presenting a portfolio for AQA A-Level Art and Design: how to select, sequence and present your work so examiners can clearly follow your development across all four assessment objectives.
9 min answer →

How do you sustain and develop a project over many months without losing momentum?

Sustaining and developing a project over an extended period, managing time, maintaining momentum and showing continuous development across all four assessment objectives.
A focused guide to sustaining and developing a project for AQA A-Level Art and Design: how to manage time, keep momentum and show continuous development across all four assessment objectives over many months.
9 min answer →

How do you write the personal study that supports your practical investigation?

Producing the written personal study (a continuous prose element of 1000 to 3000 words) that supports the Personal Investigation, integrating critical analysis with your own practice.
A focused guide to the written element of the AQA A-Level Art and Design Personal Investigation: how to write the 1000 to 3000 word personal study that integrates critical analysis with your own practical work.
10 min answer →