GCSE, International GCSE, and A Level Art and Design Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance

Oct 20, 2026

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Guidance for learners and teachers on using artificial intelligence tools in GCSE, International GCSE, and A Level Art and Design submissions for assessment. It explains that qualification work must be students’ own and must not be copied, paraphrased, or heavily derived from AI. It outlines acceptable AI use for research, exploration of techniques, and technique/process development when properly referenced and annotated, and describes markers of inappropriate use and how authenticity should be monitored and verified.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Summary

Subject Specific Guidance

Acceptable use of AI

Inappropriate AI use

Marking candidate submission

Non-Examined Assessment authentication sheet

Detecting misuse of AI tools

GCSE, International GCSE, and A Level Art and Design Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance As the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT and Midjourney, and AI-based tools built into existing software like Photoshop becomes more prominent, we would like to provide some guidance and information on its use by learners in their work produced for assessment. This is supplementary to the JCQ AI Use in Assessments guidance. Pearson understand that these powerful tools are being used as a valid part of creative work, but that there are also inherent risks to its use, particularly in an educational or assessment context. It is important that learners understand the appropriate and ethical use of AI in creative contexts to be prepared for a future in the creative sectors, but is it critical that they develop and demonstrate their own skills in generating ideas, research, use of technical and practical processes etc., independent of AI input. Summary The JCQ Guidance published on the use of AI states that “all work submitted for qualification assessments must be the students’ own.” This means ensuring that the student’s submission is their own work, and isnot copied, paraphrased, or heavily derived from another source, including content produced by AI tools. Both teacher and student are required to sign a declaration to this effect. Subject Specific Guidance At present, there are a number of AI tools which have the ability to generate images in response to user prompts, such as: • Midjourney ([https://midjourney.com/showcase/top/](https://midjourney.com/showcase/top/)) • Stable Diffusion ([https://stablediffusionweb.com/](https://stablediffusionweb.com/)) • Dalle-E 3 (OpenAI) ([https://openai.com/dall-e-3/](https://openai.com/dall-e-3/)) Within the GCSE and A level Art and Design specifications learners must independently develop work beyond any AI input, evidencing their own creative skills and knowledge. Acceptable use of AI If students use AI tools for Art and Design, it must be clearly referenced in their submissions. Teachers must acknowledge and recognise this when applying the assessment criteria. AI tools may be used appropriately as part of students’ research and/or as a means of exploring techniques and processes. When AI is used by students as part of the development of creative work, it is important for teachers and assessors to: • Ensure that they are familiar with the student’s style and method of working so that they can confidently authenticate their work. • Monitor students’ work as it progresses through the initial and developmental phases. • Ensure any use of AI software in the research, ideas generation, development and/or production of their creative work is properly referenced and annotated, including details of how the tool was used and reflection of how the results impacted their own work. This must include but is not limited to: o Identification of the AI tool and the date content was generated-For example: ChatGPT 3.5 ([https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/), 25/01/2023).](https://openai.com/blog/chatgpt/), 25/01/2023).) o Search terms used o Annotated screenshots of AI-based tools being used o Settings used to achieve desired effects and/or output o Explanation of how AI generated content has been adapted and incorporated into independent outcomes GCSE and A level Art and Design teachers must ensure that any AI use is acceptable, appropriate and referenced before the work is authenticated and submitted. Inappropriate AI use The JCQ AI Use in Assessments guidance states that ‘all work submitted for qualification assessments must bethe students’ own.’ This means ensuring that the final product/outcome is their own work, and isn’t copied, paraphrased or heavily derived from another source, including content generated by AI. Within a creative assessment, this means that learners must independently develop work beyond any AI input to evidence their own skills and knowledge. A stu

FAQs

What is the key requirement for work submitted for AI-related assessment?

All work submitted for qualification assessments must be the student’s own. Submissions must not be copied, paraphrased, or heavily derived from AI-generated content.

When can students use AI tools in Art and Design work?

AI may be used appropriately for research and for exploring techniques and processes. When used, it must be clearly referenced in submissions and supported with annotations and reflections on impact.

How should teachers mark work where AI may have replaced independent input?

Teachers should review submissions holistically. If AI use results in insufficient independent thought, decision-making, or application of technical skills, the mark must reflect that, even if AI tools were referenced.

Oct 20, 2026

Uploaded by Ivy