GCE A Level Advanced Art and Design - Fine Art Component 2 - LARA - Total Mark 21

Q: What does AO1 measure in this Fine Art Component 2 assessment?

AO1 measures developing ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

Q: How does AO2 assess the candidate’s progress?

AO2 evaluates exploring and selecting appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.

Q: What is the overall focus of the examiner’s submission commentary?

The submission addresses the ESA theme of “Variation and Similarity,” using a straightforward and methodical development of portrait painting styles with an emphasis on expressive colour and brushwork to represent mood and character.

Oct 20, 2026

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GCE A Level Advanced Art and Design Fine Art Component 2 (LARA) with Total Mark 21 provides assessment criteria across AO1–AO4 and performance levels. It outlines how candidates develop ideas through sustained investigation (AO1), explore and select resources and techniques while refining work (AO2), record observations and insights while reflecting critically (AO3), and present personal, meaningful responses (AO4). Examiner commentary evaluates a submission focused on variation and similarity in portrait styles.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages25

Reading Time1 h 3 min

AccessFree to download

AO1–AO4 Assessment Criteria

Performance levels (Limited to Exceptional)

Examiner commentary

Theme: Variation and Similarity

Focus: Expressive colour and brushwork

GCE A LevelAdvancedArt and Design Fine ArtComponent 2 LARA Total Mark 21 AO1 AO2 AO3 AO4 Record Realise Develop Explore and Select 6 5 5 5 Mark Performance 2 2 2 2 Level Total 21 out of 72 | PERFORMANCE
CALCULATOR | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | A LEVEL
PRACTICAL
-SEPT 2016 | LIMITED ABILITY | BASIC ABILITY | EMERGING COMPETENT ABILITY | COMPETENT AND CONSISTENT
ABILITY | CONFIDENT AND ASSURED
ABILITY | EXCEPTIONAL ABILITY | | | Taxonomy | partial,inconsistent,literal,
elementary,minimal,rushed,
sporadic,naive,little creative
intent,disjointed,pedestrian,
credible,lacks control over the
formal elements,vague aims | straightforward,deliberate,just
adequate,methodical,superficial,
unrefined,crude visual language,
simplistic reflection,plays safe,
unresolved,contextual references
explored but lack relevance,
defines aims with some
understanding,developing control
over the formal elements | predictable,broadening,makes
progress,relevant,description not
explanation,demonstrates
intentions,appropriate,sufficient
control,emerging individuality,
thorough,adequate control over
the formal elements,contextual
references inform journey,pursues
aims with understanding | diverse,effective,purposeful,
consistent,skilful,coherent,
imaginative,informed,some
perception,satisfies creative intent,
engaged,consistent control over
the formal elements,contextual
references inspire creativity,
realises some aims, | independent,realised,sensitive,
creative,sustained,highly
inventive,critical,perceptive,
comprehensive,in-depth,
insightful,original,genuine creative
journey,refined,in-depth
reflection,exciting,comprehensive
control over the formal elements,
contextual references shows some
personal insight,fully realises all
aims and objectives | inspired,surprising,unique,
authoritative,genuine discovery,
adventurous,accepting of the
unexpected,challenging,fully
informed,questioning,dexterous,
erudite,highly intuitive,daring,
insightful and comprehensive
exploration of contextual
references,ideas synthesised into
highly sophisticated realisations,
goes beyond aims to produce
surprising realisations,control over
the formal elements demonstrate
fluent sensitivity and understanding | | | AO1
Develop ideas
through sustained
and focused
investigations
informed by
contextual and
other sources,
demonstrating
analytical and
critical
understanding | 3
1
2 | 6
4
5 | 7
9
8 | 12
11
10 | 15
14
13 | 18
17
16 | AO1 total:
5 | | | LIMITED | BASIC
straightforward
superficial,
simplistic reflection
methodical
just adequate, | EMERGING COMPETENT | COMPETENT AND CONSISTENT | CONFIDENT AND ASSURED | EXCEPTIONAL | | | AO2
Explore and select
appropriate
resources,media,
materials,
techniques and
processes,
reviewing and
refining ideas as
work develops | 1
3
2 | 5
4
6 | 8
7
9 | 12
11
10 | 15
13
14 | 18
17
16 | AO2 total:
5 | | | LIMITED | BASIC
Methodical
Superficial
deliberate,
just adequate,
defines aims with some
understanding | EMERGING COMPETENT | COMPETENT AND CONSISTENT | CONFIDENT AND ASSURED | EXCEPTIONAL | | | AO3
Record ideas,
observations and
insights relevant to
intentions,
reflecting critically
on work and
progress | 3
2 | 6 <

FAQs

What does AO1 measure in this Fine Art Component 2 assessment?

AO1 measures developing ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

How does AO2 assess the candidate’s progress?

AO2 evaluates exploring and selecting appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops.

What is the overall focus of the examiner’s submission commentary?

The submission addresses the ESA theme of “Variation and Similarity,” using a straightforward and methodical development of portrait painting styles with an emphasis on expressive colour and brushwork to represent mood and character.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Blitz