Code IB Course
Qualification Type Other Regulated/Accredited Qualification
Qualification Level Level 3
Course type Full Time
To study this course you need to have a keen interest in visual art, be it drawing, painting, graphic design or photography.
Students gain knowledge and understanding in visual communication and the creative process to develop their visual language and creative voice.
They gain an understanding of the importance and influence of the work of artists and designers, in order to develop and realise their own creative intentions.
Studying an IB in Visual Arts, you will be supported in the development of your own artistic practice.
The IB Diploma Programme Visual Arts course encourages students to challenge their own creative and cultural expectations and boundaries. It is a thought provoking course in which students develop analytical skills in problem solving and divergent thinking, while working towards technical proficiency and confidence as art-makers.
In addition to exploring and comparing visual arts from different perspectives and in different contexts, students are expected to engage in, experiment with and critically reflect upon a wide range of contemporary practices and media. The course is designed for students who want to go on to study visual arts in higher education as well as for those who are seeking lifelong enrichment through visual arts.
External assessment tasks
Task 1: Comparative study (20%)
Students analyse and compare different artworks by different artists. This independent critical and contextual investigation explores artworks, objects and artefacts from differing cultural contexts.
At Standard Level: Compare at least 3 different artworks, by at least 2 different artists, with commentary over 10–15 pages.
You will initially be given a selection of artists from different times and cultures to choose from. This should lead to you making more independent decisions about artists that inspire you.
Task 2: Process portfolio (40%)
Students submit carefully selected materials, which evidence their experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of visual arts activities during the two year course.
Work can be produced in a sketchbook or on mounted boards which will be photographed and sent away digitally to be marked.
It is important to document all the work that you produce over the course.
At Standard Level: 9–18 pages. The submitted work should be in at least two different art making forms.
Internal assessment task
Task 3: Exhibition
Students submit for assessment a selection of finished artworks from their coursework. The selected pieces should show evidence of their technical accomplishment during the visual arts course and an understanding of the use of materials, ideas and practices appropriate to visual communication.
Work will be exhibited in a gallery, which will be hired by the school. At Standard Level: 4–7 pieces with exhibition text for each, explaining title of piece and materials used.
A curatorial rationale: This is a description/explanation of your whole body of work that you have chosen to exhibit. (400 words maximum).
This is the only part of the course that is marked by your teachers. The first two elements of the course are sent away for marking.
For further information please see Mrs Johnson, Mrs Green and Mrs Belcher and make sure you attend the Sixth Form Open Evening in November.
5 GCSE at 9 - 4 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 4 in English and or Maths.
(Students that narrowly miss out on L3 entry requirements can still be accepted subject to decision of subject leader for the chosen course).
Your next steps...
If successful on the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme students can follow a pathway onto university, a high-level apprenticeship or straight into employment post-18.