The AQA-pathway GCSE for learners on the AQA route. Same four AOs as Edexcel — this is a shared JCQ / Ofqual standard for Art at GCSE / IGCSE level.
Endorsements (separate spec codes)
AQA assigns each endorsement its own four-digit spec code:
- Art, Craft and Design (8201) — the omnibus / general route, allowing work across multiple disciplines; not offered at Edexcel IGCSE
- Fine Art (8202)
- Graphic Communication (8203)
- Textile Design (8204)
- Three-dimensional Design (8205)
- Photography (8206)
A learner picks one endorsement at registration and works within it across both components.
Components
- Component 1: Portfolio (60% of grade) — typically a body of work developed over the course of the qualification, evidencing the four AOs
- Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of grade) — preparatory studies plus 10-hour period of sustained focus
Component weighting differs from Edexcel — AQA is 60/40, Edexcel IGCSE is 50/50. A learner moving between boards needs to be aware that AQA puts more weight on the portfolio body of work and less on the externally-set response.
Assessment Objectives
Identical to Edexcel IGCSE Art and Design — this is the shared regulatory standard. Each AO is worth 25% of the qualification.
- AO1 — develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources
- AO2 — refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes
- AO3 — record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses
- AO4 — present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language
Tests canonical
Each AO page wikilinks to the canonical KS4 Creative Arts strands.
Revision support
For Art and Design, “revision” is unusual — there is no exam content to memorise, no past-paper drilling. NEO’s support for AQA Art learners is largely the same as for Edexcel learners: portfolio guidance, technical skill development, contextual studies. The board choice mostly affects centre administration and component weighting.