Why choose A level art, craft and design?
A level art, craft and design is a creative and varied course that encourages experimentation and personal expression. You’ll work with a wide range of materials, techniques, and approaches as you develop your individual style.
Ideal for students who enjoy visual storytelling, hands-on making, and creative thinking, this course offers opportunities to explore areas such as fine art, textiles, photography, 3D design, and mixed media.
You will also build transferable skills in problem solving, research, visual communication, and critical thinking – all valued by universities and creative industries.
Whether you’re aiming for a future in architecture, design, media, or the arts, A level art, craft and design provides a strong foundation.
Course type: A level
Board: OCR
Entry requirement: Grade 5 or above in GCSE art. Applicants without a GCSE in art may be asked to submit a portfolio.
How will art, craft and design be delivered?
You will work across different disciplines and experiment with a wide range of materials and processes – from drawing and painting to sculpture, textiles, digital media, and photography.
In year 12, you will build core skills and explore different approaches through themed projects. In year 13, you’ll complete two assessed components:
| Component | Content |
| Year 12 | Build practical skills using a wide variety of media, techniques, and processes |
| Investigate the work of artists, craftspeople, and designers | |
| Develop personal ideas through project work | |
| Emphasis on experimentation and independent thinking | |
| 1: Personal Investigation (60%) | A practical project based on a theme or idea of your choice, supported by a written study (minimum 1000 words). This is an in-depth, personal exploration of your creativity. |
| 2: Externally Set Task (40%) | A practical response to a theme provided by OCR. After preparatory work, you’ll complete a final piece during a 15-hour supervised session. |
Assessment
Assessment is based on the quality of your portfolio and your ability to meet the following objectives:
- AO1 – Develop ideas through investigation and contextual research
- AO2 – Refine work by experimenting with materials and techniques
- AO3 – Record ideas, observations and insights in visual and written form
- AO4 – Present a personal and meaningful final outcome
There are no written exams – your final grade is based on practical work submitted for both components.
Progression
A level art, craft and design is a well-respected creative subject that supports progression to a wide range of university and career pathways. It helps students to:
- Progress to foundation diplomas or undergraduate courses in art, design, architecture, media, or creative arts
- Build strong portfolios for entry into competitive art schools and specialist courses
- Develop creative thinking, problem solving and communication skills valued across industries
- Prepare for careers in areas such as architecture, interior design, animation, fashion, photography, marketing, or education
- Stand out in university and job applications for creativity, individuality, and self-motivation
