Visual Arts study guides

A complete overview of artist and contextual research in Edexcel GCSE Art and Design: analysing an artwork critically, using art movements and periods as a source of ideas, and using galleries and critical annotation, so research becomes AO1 critical understanding.

A complete overview of building the Personal Portfolio in Edexcel GCSE Art and Design: selecting and presenting the strongest work that covers all four objectives, and using the sketchbook and annotation to evidence the whole creative journey.

A complete overview of developing and refining ideas in Edexcel GCSE Art and Design: building a line of enquiry, the explore, review, select and refine cycle for media, and planning a final outcome that connects to the whole project for AO4.

A complete overview of drawing and recording in Edexcel GCSE Art and Design: observational drawing, tone and mark-making, perspective and proportion, and recording from primary sources, and why first-hand drawing is the strongest evidence for AO3.

A complete overview of the Edexcel GCSE Art and Design Externally Set Assignment (Component 2): the broad starting points released on 2 January, the preparatory period covering all four objectives, and the 10-hour supervised period for the personal response.

A complete overview of the formal elements in Edexcel GCSE Art and Design: line, tone, colour, texture, form, shape and pattern, and how composition combines them into the visual language that communicates meaning for AO4.

A complete overview of the four assessment objectives in Edexcel GCSE Art and Design (1AD0): AO1 develop, AO2 refine, AO3 record and AO4 present, how they are equally weighted at 18 marks each, how to balance them, and how the six-band assessment grid turns work into a grade.

A complete overview of media and techniques in Edexcel GCSE Art and Design: painting and colour media, printmaking, three-dimensional and sculptural work, and photography and lens-based media, and how experimenting with and refining them evidences AO2.