GCE A Level Advanced Art and Design - Photography Component 2 - Total Mark 14 - Performance Marking Levels

Q: What theme and subject matter does the submission explore?

The submission explores the ESA theme “Variation and Similarities” by depicting differing generations within a family.

Q: Which contextual sources and inspiration are used?

The investigation is informed by photographer Julian Germain and his work “Generation,” guiding an intention to capture “everyday scenes” in his style.

Q: How does the candidate experiment to show variation and similarities?

The candidate experiments by placing historic family photos into contemporary settings, using trials with layering, collaging, and combining images across generations to examine variation and similarities.

Oct 20, 2026

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GCE A Level Advanced Art and Design: Photography Component 2 includes a performance calculator for Total Mark 14, outlining AO1–AO4 criteria for levels 1 to 6. Examiner commentary evaluates a photography submission exploring the ESA theme “Variation and Similarities” through family generations, referencing photographer Julian Germain and his work “Generation.” The creative process uses contextual sources, photoshoots, and layering/collaging of historic and contemporary family images, but technical and creative potential remains partly unresolved, leading to disjointed focus.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages36

Reading Time1 h 31 min

AccessFree to download

Performance calculator

Level bands and taxonomy

AO1 Develop ideas through investigation

AO2 Explore and select resources and processes

AO3 Record, observe and reflect on work

AO4 Present a personal and meaningful response

Examiner commentary

GCE A LevelAdvancedArt and Design PhotographyComponent 2 OLIVIATotal Mark 14 AO1 AO2 AO3 AO4 Record Realise Develop Explore and Select 3 4 4 3 Mark Performance 1 2 1 2 Level Total 14 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 overr
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
2 | 6
5 | 9
8
7 | | 15
14
13 | 18
17
16 | AO1 total:
4 | | | LIMITED
little creative intent
vague aims | BASIC
simplistic reflection
just adequate,
unrefined | EMERGING COMPETENT | COMPETENT AND CONSISTEN | CONFIDENT AND ASSURED | EXCEPTIONAL | | | AO2
Explore and select
appropriate
resources,media,
materials,
techniques and
processes,
reviewing and
refining ideas as
work develops | 2
1
3 | 6
5
4 | 8
9 | 12
11
10 | 15
14
13 | 17
18
16 | AO2 total:
4 | | | LIMITED
little creative intent
vague aims | BASIC
crude visual language,
superficial and unrefined | EMERGING COMPETENT | COMPETENT AND CONSISTENT | CONFIDENT AND ASSURED | EXCEPTIONAL | | | AO3
Record ideas,
observations and
insights relevant to
intentions,
reflecting critically
on work and
progress | 2
1 | 6
5
4 | 9
8
7 | 12
10 <

FAQs

What theme and subject matter does the submission explore?

The submission explores the ESA theme “Variation and Similarities” by depicting differing generations within a family.

Which contextual sources and inspiration are used?

The investigation is informed by photographer Julian Germain and his work “Generation,” guiding an intention to capture “everyday scenes” in his style.

How does the candidate experiment to show variation and similarities?

The candidate experiments by placing historic family photos into contemporary settings, using trials with layering, collaging, and combining images across generations to examine variation and similarities.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Fans