Subject : History of Art

Awarding body:  AQA 2250

Advanced Subsidiary and Advanced GCE courses

Course content and examination requirements:

AQA’s new specification for History of Art (Art of the Western World) has been designed to:

  • Establish a framework for exploring aspects of Western art and architecture
  • Develop a foundation of knowledge and understanding of the subject
  • Encourages analytical discussion, historical research

The course consists of four modules.  Two are studied in the first year and constitute an AS level, a further two are studied in the Upper Sixth to complete the whole A level.

Year 12 - AS Units Year 13 - A2 Units (full GCE)

Unit 1
Visual Analysis and Interpretation
40% of AS level
20% of A level

One hour written examination (60 marks) – questions are based on photographic images of works of art.  The unit assesses visual skills and measures how a student can interpret works of art.

Unit 1
Investigation and Interpretation (1)
25% of A level 

One hour and thirty minutes written examination (60 marks) – this unit is an in-depth examination of paintings, sculpture and architecture of the Fifteenth Century in Europe.

Unit 2
Themes in History of Art
60% of AS level
30% of A level

One hour thirty minutes written examination (90 marks) – questions test knowledge and understanding of significant art historical themes.

Unit 2
Investigation and Interpretation (2)
25% of A level

One hour thirty minutes written examination (60 marks) – this unit is an in-depth examination of paintings, sculpture and architecture of the Sixteenth Century in Europe.

Entry requirements:

History of Art as a subject in its own right is only studied in the Sixth Form and there are no specific entry requirements for the course.  The subject demands a good command of English and the ability to analyse virtual symbols and to interpret them in relation to historical background or a particular artist’s life.

Relevance to further studies and careers:

Studying the History of Art enables students to pursue many options post A Level.  These include careers in the fields of Education, TV, Film, Research, Conservation, Architecture, Museum and Gallery Work, Archaeology, alongside many courses that contain a strong practical element such as Fine Art or Photography.

Teaching staff / further information :

To be confirmed