OCR A-Level Art and Design Past Papers & Mark Schemes

OCR A-Level Art and Design operates differently from most A-Level specifications because it is primarily assessed through practical work rather than written examinations. The specification covers multiple endorsements — Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textile Design, Three-Dimensional Design, and Photography — each assessed through the same two-component structure but with different practical outputs. Component 1: Personal Investigation (120 marks, 60%) is a sustained portfolio of practical work accompanied by a written element of 1,000–3,000 words. The portfolio must demonstrate: the ability to develop ideas through investigation, informed by contextual and cultural sources; skill in refining work through experimenting with media, materials, techniques, and processes; the capacity to record ideas, observations, and insights through drawing and annotation; and the ability to present a personal, informed, and meaningful response that demonstrates analytical and critical understanding. Component 2: Externally Set Task (80 marks, 40%) begins with a question paper released on 1 February, providing a choice of starting points. Students then have a preparatory period (approximately 12 weeks) to develop ideas, conduct research, and experiment with materials. This is followed by a supervised examination period of 15 hours, during which the final outcome is produced. The externally set task tests the same four assessment objectives as the personal investigation but within the constraints of a prescribed starting point. Both components are assessed against four assessment objectives (AOs): AO1 (develop ideas through sustained investigation); AO2 (refine work through experimenting); AO3 (record ideas through drawing and annotation); and AO4 (present a personal and meaningful response).