Exam Preparation
iGCSE Art & Design
A-Level Art
The iGCSE Art & Design course is a comprehensive two-year program that balances creativity with technical skill. Students will complete 60% of their assessment through coursework, based on a self-chosen theme, while the remaining 40% is based on a response to a theme set by the exam board. This journey culminates in a 10-hour practical exam, spread over two or three days, held at an exam center or school.
At Red, Yellow & Blue, students — typically 14 to 16 year olds — begin their studies in the Autumn term by embarking on a 12-month coursework project.
The exam title is released on January 1st of the final year of the iGCSE, at which point students begin working intensively on their exam preparation.
Throughout the course, students work primarily in sketchbooks or on A2 sheets, fostering a hands-on, exploratory approach to art and design.
The A-Level Art course is a two-year program comprising 60% coursework and 40% exam-based work. The course culminates in a 15-hour practical exam, held over two or three days at an exam center or school. A-Level Art demands a rigorous and in-depth exploration of a chosen theme, mirroring the way professional artists delve into ideas from multiple perspectives.
At Red, Yellow & Blue, students are encouraged to push boundaries—exploring their chosen themes deeply, experimenting boldly, and drawing inspiration from both contemporary and renowned artists. The course includes group critiques, where students engage in thoughtful discussions about their own work and that of their peers, and gallery visits are strongly encouraged to broaden their artistic vision.
The work produced during this course serves as a portfolio for Art School or Architecture interviews, demonstrating each student’s unique style and technical proficiency.
Students without prior iGCSE or formal art experience may still join the course, provided they commit extra time and dedication to meet its rigorous demands.
Portfolio Preparation
Preparing a strong portfolio is a crucial step for students applying to Art & Design or Architecture courses. At our school, we offer dedicated portfolio preparation support to help students develop a body of work that reflects both their creativity and technical ability.
Through this programme, students are guided step-by-step in building their portfolios, from developing ideas and refining techniques to selecting and presenting their strongest pieces.
We also tailor each portfolio to meet the specific requirements of individual courses and institutions, ensuring that every student submits work that is both relevant and competitive.
A Level students are able to incorporate their coursework and exam projects as part of their portfolio, making the most of the work they are already producing.
For students who are not sitting the A Level exam, we recommend committing to at least one year of focused work in order to develop a sufficiently strong and varied portfolio.
As portfolio development requires additional time, commitment, and personalised guidance, this support is offered as a supplementary course alongside A Levels.
