Switching to AQA from Edexcel
To save you time and help you compare our A-level Art and Design specification with the Edexcel specification, we’ve created some comparison tables.
These tables highlight the content and requirements side by side, so you can make the right choice for your students.
Let us know if you’d like to hear from us, we’ll send you everything you need to get started.
For further information and resources, head to the subject pages of our new A-level Art and Design specification.
Assessment structure
AQA – A-level Art and Design | Edexcel – A-level Art and Design |
|---|---|
Art, craft and design 7201 Fine art 7202 Graphic communication 7203 Textile design 7204 Three dimensional design 7205 Photography 7206 | Fine Art (9FA0) Graphic Communication (9GC0) Textile Design (9TE0) Three-dimensional Design (9TD0) Photography (9PY0) |
Component 1 Personal investigation
| Component 1 Personal investigation
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Component 2 Externally set assignment
| Component 2 Externally set task
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Subject content
Component 1
AQA – A-level Art and Design | Edexcel – A-level Art and Design |
|---|---|
Personal investigation This is a practical investigation supported by written material. Students are required to conduct a practical investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme. The focus of the investigation must be identified independently by the student and must lead to a finished outcome or series of finished outcomes. The investigation should be a coherent, in-depth study, which shows clear development from initial intentions to a final outcome or outcomes informed by relevant critical and contextual materials. Component 1 must include 1,000-3,000 words in continuous prose, which supports the practical work. Notes and annotations do not form part of the word count. Submissions must include a bibliography. The practical work and the written element will be assessed together, as an integrated whole, against all four Assessment Objectives. | Personal investigation Incorporates three major elements:
Supporting studies and practical work will comprise a portfolio of development work and outcomes based on themes and ideas developed from personal starting points. The personal study will be evidenced through critical written communication showing contextual research and understanding in a minimum 1,000 words of continuous prose, which may contain integrated images. The practical work and the related written study will be assessed separately. |
Component 2
AQA – A-level Art and Design | Edexcel – A-level Art and Design |
|---|---|
Externally set assignment Separate question papers will be provided for each title. Each question paper will consist of a choice of eight written starting points. Students are required to select one. Students will be provided with examination papers on 1 February, or as soon as possible after that date. Preparatory period Preparatory work may be presented in any suitable format. Supervised time – 15 hours Following the preparatory period, students must complete 15 hours of unaided, supervised time. Students must produce a finished outcome or series of outcomes. The first three hours must be consecutive. Preparatory work and the work produced during the supervised time will be assessed together, as a whole, against all four Assessment Objectives.
| Externally set assignment One paper will be given for use across all of the titles. The paper will give students a choice of one set theme, across all of the titles. The theme and suggested starting points may be used for the preparatory studies and the period of sustained focus. Students will be provided with examination papers on 1 February, or as soon as possible after that date. Preparatory period Preparatory work must be used to inform the outcomes during the 15 hours supervised time. Period of sustained focus – 15 hours During the 15 hour period of sustained focus under examination conditions, students will produce final outcomes. The 15 hour period of sustained focus under examination conditions may take place over multiple sessions (a maximum of five, within three consecutive weeks). All work produced will be assessed together, against all four Assessment Objectives. |