Download Visual Arts - Braintree Sixth Form

IB Visual Arts Course Outline
Overview
The visual arts are of ever increasing importance in a world in which the amount of information
transmitted visually, through the mass media, is growing constantly. Engagement in the arts
promotes a sense of individual identity and makes a contribution to the lifelong learning of each
student. The Diploma Programme Visual Arts course enables students to engage in both practical
exploration and artistic production, and in independent contextual, visual and critical investigation.
The course will support students in developing their practical skills and in applying these skills
creatively to express their own responses and ideas. In their Investigation Workbooks students will
explore, evaluate and debate historical and contemporary practice, and develop their critical and
personal understanding. Visits will be organised to museums, galleries and exhibitions. Lifedrawing sessions will be available for students as an extra curricular opportunity and practising
artists will be invited to run workshops to extend students’ experience. The art department
provides many of the basic materials for the course, however, students are required to purchase
sketchbooks, pencils, paints and brushes and other additional materials as appropriate.
Students will prepare a selection of their work in the form of an exhibition at the end of the course.
60% of their final assessment is based on studio work and 40% on the Investigation Workbooks. A
considerable amount of independent personal study is required.
Course Structure & Content
Year 1
Students initially undertake a structured and progressive exploration of drawing, painting,
printmaking, production of low relief sculpture and the use of digital media, making links to the work
of others as appropriate. All students will produce Investigation Workbooks which are integral to
studio practice and which reflect the critical visual and written investigation that the student has
undertaken. These workbooks should reflect the personal interests of the student and include wideranging first-hand investigations into issues and ideas related to the visual arts. Students are
expected to explore the impact of social and political context on the production of artwork and to
study a variety of social and cultural functions of the visual arts. They will study artwork from
diverse world cultures and are expected to demonstrate cultural and historical awareness. At the
end of year 1 students mount an exhibition of their work and give a short presentation discussing
their areas of interest and the development of their ideas.
Year 2
Working in their Investigation Workbooks and producing studio work, as in
Year 1, students choose an area for self-directed study based on an idea, issue, concept or theme,
of personal interest. They will undertake practical, critical and contextual research, evaluation and
analysis of an aspect of art based on or inspired by their previous work. This leads to a finished
piece or series of pieces which will be exhibited at the end of the course. Students are expected to
give a short presentation to a small audience at their exhibition.
What is the difference between HL & SL?
There is no difference in the quality of work expected from students taking IB Visual Arts at HL and
those taking it at SL. Both can produce art work of high quality. Due to the increased length of
time available for HL students it is expected that the work which they produce is pursued in greater
depth and that their research and development work be more extensive.
Assessment:
Both the Investigation Workbooks and the studio work are centre assessed and moderated at the
end of year 2 by a visiting moderator following an interview with the student. Students are
expected to demonstrate a response to all of the assessment objectives. Students will also need
to produce a Candidate Record Booklet which is used as part of the moderation procedure. It
includes a short written statement and photographs or photocopies of highlights from the
Investigation Workbook and studio work. Assessment Objectives for HL & SL are the same. It is
important that the student is able to demonstrate an engagement with wider ideas and issues in the
context of the visual arts.
Entry qualifications
A grade B in GCSE Art is normally required. Admission to the course for other applicants is
conditional upon production of a portfolio of work that demonstrates an appropriate level of skill and
commitment.
Career Prospects
Applicable for students interested in careers directly or indirectly related to Art & Design. There are
many specialist applications in commercial and artistic sectors from product and interior design to
fashion. Other areas include art education, arts administration and some areas of the media.
Students can progress to further or higher education courses in Art & Design including Foundation
courses leading to a degree in a variety of specialisms. Students wishing to follow a higher
education course in any aspect of the visual arts are recommended to study IB Visual Arts at HL.