A/B/C Grade Examples

In Art and Design, the level descriptions show progression in three main areas:

1. Exploring and developing ideas
2. Investigating and making art, craft and design
3. Evaluating and developing work

Level 1
Pupils respond to ideas. They use a variety of materials and processes to communicate their ideas and meanings, and design and make images and artefacts. They describe what they think or feel about their own and others' work.

Level 2
Pupils explore ideas. They investigate and use a variety of materials and processes to communicate their ideas and meanings, and design and make images and artefacts. They comment on differences in others' work, and suggest ways of improving their own.

Level 3
Pupils explore ideas and collect visual and other information for their work. They investigate visual and tactile qualities in materials and processes, communicate their ideas and meanings, and design and make images and artefacts for different purposes. They comment on similarities and differences between their own and others' work, and adapt and improve their own.

Level 4
Pupils explore ideas and collect visual and other information to help them develop their work. They use their knowledge and understanding of materials and processes to communicate ideas and meanings, and make images and artefacts, combining and organising visual and tactile qualities to suit their intentions. They compare and comment on ideas, methods and approaches used in their own and others' work, relating these to the context in which the work was made. They adapt and improve their work to realise their own intentions.

Level 5
Pupils explore ideas and select visual and other information. They use this in developing their work, taking account of the purpose. They manipulate materials and processes to communicate ideas and meanings and make images and artefacts, matching visual and tactile qualities to their intentions. They analyse and comment on ideas, methods and approaches used in their own and others' work, relating these to its context. They adapt and refine their work to reflect their own view of its purpose and meaning.

Level 6
Pupils explore ideas and assess visual and other information, including images and artefacts from different historical, social and cultural contexts. They use this information to develop their ideas, taking account of purpose and audience. They manipulate materials and processes and analyse outcomes. They interpret visual and tactile qualities to communicate ideas and meanings, and realise their intentions. They analyse and comment on how ideas and meanings are conveyed in their own and others' work. They explain how their understanding of the context affects their views and practice.

Level 7
Pupils explore ideas and assess visual and other information, analysing codes and conventions used in different genres, styles and traditions. They select, organise and present information in visual and other ways, taking account of purpose and audience. They extend their understanding of materials and processes and interpret visual and tactile qualities. They show increasing independence in the way in which they develop ideas and meanings and realise their intentions. They analyse and comment on the contexts of their own and others' work. They explain how their own ideas, experiences and values affect their views and practice.

Level 8
Pupils explore ideas and evaluate relevant visual and other information, analysing how codes and conventions are used to represent ideas, beliefs and values in different genres, styles and traditions. They research, document and present information in visual and other ways appropriate to their purpose and audience. They exploit the potential of materials and processes to develop ideas and meanings, realise their intentions and sustain their investigations. They evaluate the contexts of their own and others' work, articulating similarities and differences in their views and practice. They further develop their ideas and their work in the light of insights gained from others.

Exceptional performance
Pupils explore ideas, critically evaluate relevant visual and other information and make connections between representations in different genres, styles and traditions. They initiate research, and document and interpret information in visual and other ways appropriate to their purpose and audience. They exploit the characteristics of materials and processes to develop ideas and meanings and realise their intentions. They extend their ideas and sustain their investigations by responding to new possibilities and meanings. They identify why ideas and meanings in others' work are subject to different interpretations, using their understanding to extend their thinking and practical work. They communicate their own ideas, insights and views.

A-Level Grade Descriptors

Grade A:
Candidates combine their knowledge, skills and understanding in intelligent, discriminating and purposeful ways. Candidates record confidently, in visual and other forms, their observations, experiences, ideas and insights within the context of thorough and sustained research and enquiry. They evidence particular interests and independent judgement in their selection of primary and other relevant sources, and successfully collect, organise and relay information. Candidates show rigorous and perceptive analysis and critical evaluation of sources. Responses and interpretations are mature and effectively informed by an understanding of associated purposes, meanings and contexts.

Grade B:
Candidates explore and develop ideas, creatively. They undertake and sustain related investigations and select and exploit appropriate resources, materials, processes and techniques, skilfully. Significant relationships are clearly established between working methods and outcomes and these are subjected to continuing analysis and sensitive reflection. Integration of the formal elements reveals high levels of understanding and application. Candidates present imaginative and fluent responses and intentions are realised in a personal, coherent and highly competent manner. They make sensitive and perceptive connections between personal lines of enquiry and the work of others and these are explained with authority and maturity.

Grade C:
Candidates combine their knowledge, skills and understanding in a thoughtful and relevant manner. Candidates record their observations, experiences, ideas and insights in visual and other forms by means of thorough research and enquiry. Collection, organisation and presentation of information is considered and clearly focused. Candidates are discriminating in their selection and use of primary and other sources.

Grade D:
Candidates analyse and evaluate sources confidently and critically. They demonstrate understanding of meanings, purposes and contexts when articulating reactions and responses. Candidates explore and develop ideas effectively. They sustain investigations in their chosen area of interest and make positive use of the resources, materials, processes and techniques that they employ. They consider the relationship between process and product and analyse and reflect on developments. Their integration of formal elements provides evidence of technical skill and an appreciation of the specific contexts in which they are applied. Candidates present creative responses through which they realise personal intentions. They articulate connections with the work of others and explain how such engagement has informed and influenced their thinking and practice.

Grade E:
Candidates demonstrate some ability to combine appropriately the knowledge, skills and understanding they have developed. Candidates record their observations, ideas and insights in visual and other forms, through research and enquiry. They show that they can collect and organise information and make use of a variety of primary and other sources. Candidates attempt to analyse and evaluate sources and, in their responses, provide evidence of some understanding of purposes, meanings and contexts. Candidates explore and develop ideas and undertake relevant investigations. They select and employ resources, materials, processes and techniques and, to a certain extent, take account of the relationships between intentions and outcomes. The formal elements are applied with some control and understanding. Candidates present a personal response and make connections between their own work and that of others.