Specifications that use this resource:

Switching to AQA from Eduqas

To save you time and help you compare our GCSE Art and Design with the Eduqas 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.

Assessment comparison

Component one

AQA – GCSE Art and Design

Eduqas ­ ­– GCSE Art and Design

Component 1

Component 1

Portfolio

Portfolio

No time limit

No time limit

96 marks (60% of GCSE)

60% of GCSE

Component 1 – portfolio

A portfolio that, in total, shows explicit coverage of the four assessment objectives. It must include a sustained project evidencing the journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions and a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study.

(Non-exam assessment set and marked by the school/college and moderated by AQA during a visit. Moderation will normally take place in June).

A major practical investigative project/portfolio which encourages adventurous and open programmes of study. Provides ample time to instill a foundation of important skills, knowledge and understanding through a variety of experiences.

Internally set and assessed; externally moderated.

Component two

AQA – GCSE Art and Design

Eduqas – GCSE Art and Design

Component 2

Component 2

Externally set assignment

Externally set assignment

Preparatory period followed by 10 hours of supervised time

Preparatory period followed by 10 hour period of sustained focus work

96 marks (40% of GCSE)

40% of GCSE

Students respond to their chosen starting point from an externally set assignment paper relating to their subject title, evidencing coverage of all four assessment objectives.

(Non-exam assessment set by AQA; marked by the school/college and moderated by AQA during a visit.)

Consists of two integrated constituent parts, namely the supporting studies and preparatory work followed by a 10 hour period of sustained focus work, which are assessed together. This places equal value on creative processes and their outcomes.

Subject content comparison

AQA – GCSE Art and Design

Eduqas – GCSE Art and Design

3.1 Knowledge and understanding

Art, craft and design

3.2 Skills

  • drawing
  • written annotation

Fine art

3.3 Titles – students must develop and apply the knowledge, understanding and skills in the subject content in ways appropriate to their chosen title:

  • art, craft and design
  • fine art
  • graphic communication
  • textile design
  • three-dimensional design
  • photography.

Critical contextual studies

 

Photography

 

Textile design

 

Three-dimensional design

Further details

Art and Design progression

For GCSE Art and Design there are no prior learning requirements. However, the specification allows for progression from KS3 whilst providing a strong foundation for further study at AS and A-level, as well as vocational pathways. To support this progression, the assessment objectives, structure and titles are very similar to those detailed in the AS and A- level Art and Design specification.