AQA 7256 SP 2017

A relevant and contemporary qualification The study of art and architecture in historical and contemporary forms will give students a broad knowledge of world civilisations including the

DRAFT SPECIFICA

1.1 Why choose AQA for AS History of Art 5

1.2 Support and resources to help you teach 5

5.2 Overlaps with other qualifications 23

5.3 Awarding grades and reporting results 23

5.5 Previous learning and prerequisites 24

5.6 Access to assessment: diversity and inclusion 24

5.7 Working with AQA for the first time 24

Are you using the latest version of this specification?

• You will always find the most up-to-date version of this specification on our website at

aqa.org.uk/7256

• We will write to you if there are significant changes to the specification

1 Introduction

1.1 Why choose AQA for AS History of Art

This specification has been designed to offer students the opportunity to explore Art and

Architecture of the world from 500 BC to 2017 Our new specification makes the most of the

enormous holdings of British museums and galleries

It offers a clear selection of topics to enable teachers to create comparable programmes of study

and it also allows a degree of freedom for students and teachers to make the most of specific

expertise or interests

A relevant and contemporary qualification

The study of art and architecture in historical and contemporary forms will give students a broad

knowledge of world civilisations including the artistic production of different cultures, groups and

individuals worldwide Students will also gain a life-long enjoyment of the art and architecture that

surrounds them

Visual analysis

Students will gain knowledge and understanding of the formal characteristics and terminology of

History of Art and a general knowledge and understanding of historical, social and cultural contexts

of painting, sculpture and architecture

The thematic study of a particular topic across time and place

The three selected themes link to issues that concern young people Themes such as conflict,

identity and the environment demonstrate how studying art of the past and present has a relevance

to, and a place within, our daily lives

The in-depth study of a particular period

The periods of study have been selected to introduce students to some of the most exciting and

significant eras in the history of Art and Architecture

Where can it take you?

The study of History of Art requires students to develop visual and analytical skills that can be

applied to many walks of life as well as tools to understand how images and objects shape our

social and political identities It encourages lifelong learning and provides access to higher

education and university degree courses in art history and related subjects It also offers access toart historical-related careers as well as others

You can find out about all our History of Art qualifications at aqa.org.uk/historyofart

1.2 Support and resources to help you teach

We’ve worked with experienced teachers to provide you with a range of resources that will help

you confidently plan, teach and prepare for exams

Teaching resources

Visit aqa.org.uk/7256 to see all our teaching resources They include:

• specimen papers and mark schemes to show the standards required and how your students’

papers will be marked

• sample schemes of work to help you plan your course with confidence

• training courses to help you deliver AQA History of Art qualifications

• a phone and email based subject team to support you in the delivery of the specification

Preparing for exams

Visit aqa.org.uk/7256 for everything you need to prepare for our exams, including:

• past papers, mark schemes and examiners’ reports

• specimen papers and mark schemes for new courses

• Exampro: a searchable bank of past AQA exam questions

• exemplar student answers with examiner commentaries

Analyse your students' results with Enhanced Results Analysis (ERA)

Find out which questions were the most challenging, how the results compare to previous years

and where your students need to improve ERA, our free online results analysis tool, will help you

see where to focus your teaching Register at aqa.org.uk/era

For information about results, including maintaining standards over time, grade boundaries and our

post-results services, visit aqa.org.uk/results

Keep your skills up-to-date with professional development

Wherever you are in your career, there’s always something new to learn As well as

subject-specific training, we offer a range of courses to help boost your skills

• Improve your teaching skills in areas including differentiation, teaching literacy and meeting

Ofsted requirements

• Prepare for a new role with our leadership and management courses

You can attend a course at venues around the country, in your school or online – whatever suits

your needs and availability Find out more at coursesandevents.aqa.org.uk

Help and support available

Visit our website for information, guidance, support and resources at aqa.org.uk/7256

If you'd like us to share news and information about this qualification, sign up for emails and

This draft qualification has not yet been accredited by Ofqual It is published to enable teachers to

have early sight of our proposed approach to AS History of Art Further changes may be required

and no assurance can be given that this proposed qualification will be made available in its current

form, or that it will be accredited in time for first teaching in September 2017 and first award in

August 2018

4 Thematic study (page 10)

5 Period study (page 15)

2.2 Assessments

Paper 1: Themes

What's assessed

• Section A: Visual analysis

• Section B: Thematic study – choose one from:

• Nature in Art

• Identities in Art

• War in Art

• Section C: Period study – choose one from:

• Invention and illusion: The Renaissance in Italy (1420–1520)

• Rebellion and revival: The ‘Avant-Garde’ in Britain and France (1848–1899)

• Pop Life: ‘Contemporary’ Art and Architecture in Britain and USA (1960–2015)

How it's assessed

• Written exam: 3 hours

• 120 marks

• 100% of AS

Questions

Section A: Visual Analysis

• 3 source-based questions (unseen images)

• 12 marks each

• Total 36 marks

Section B: Thematic Study

• 4 x short questions (total 17 marks)

• 1 x essay (25 marks)

Section C: Period Study

• 4 x short questions (total 17 marks)

• 1 x essay (25 marks)

3 Subject Content

The study of art in its historical and contemporary forms gives young people crucial knowledge of

world civilisations It gives students visual and analytical skills that can be applied in many walks oflife and the tools to understand how images and objects work to shape our social and political

identities This specification allows students to develop particular strengths and interests,

encourages lifelong learning and provides access to higher education and university degree

courses in art history and related subjects as well as art historical-related and other careers

Students should be encouraged to research and investigate art through first hand experience

The subject content is divided into three components:

1 Section A: Visual Analysis

2 Section B: Thematic Study of World Art and Architecture

3 Section C: Period Study of Art and Architecture

3.1 Visual analysis

Students must develop knowledge and understanding of formal characteristics and terminology,

and a general knowledge and understanding of historical, social and cultural contexts for painting,

sculpture and architecture This section of the exam will assess skills of visual analysis and is

designed to equip candidates to analyse and interpret the formal visual features and stylistic

elements of painting, sculpture and architecture The section contains questions based on

photographs of identified works of art in three categories: painting, sculpture and architecture In

each category one photograph will be provided and candidates must answer all three questions

Examples will be drawn from Classical Greece to the present day (500 BC–AD 2017)

Marks on this section of the paper will be awarded only for the identification and interpretation of

aspects of the given images and not for prior knowledge of any work of art or architecture

The list below shows the formal characteristics or elements of style required for visual analysis thatstudents must know and understand in order to answer questions in the ‘unseen’ Section A of the

• Volume and mass

Students must be able to analyse and interpret the specific meanings and messages achieved by

the artist's manipulation of these formal characteristics

Students must also understand and be able to apply their knowledge of how these formal

characteristics can be influenced by:

2 The Art of Identities

3 The Art of War

Thematic study is intended to be an inherently broad-based exploration of the developments in art

and connections between movements and periods (before and after 1850) Therefore all students

must explore all strands outlined in the investigation areas outlined for each theme Students must

study work across at least three types of art

Students must research in detail at least two works by each of three artists from the choice of

specified artists given for each theme (Two works of art have been listed where the name of the

artist is unknown.) The study must incorporate the areas of investigation outlined for each theme

• One selected specified artist must have produced work before 1850 and one must have

produced work from after 1850

• The third specified artist may have produced work before of after1850

• Selection of the two works for each specified artist and at least a further four works by other

influential artists is at the discretion of the teacher and student

• These further works, together with the work by selected specified artists, must be sufficient to

address all of the topic content listed for each area of study

• These further works, together with the work by selected specified artists must cover three types

of art, 2D, 3D and architecture (see Appendix 1: Definitions (page 27))

• All works must be in the public domain such that they are easily accessible to examiners

• The same work of art may not be used across more than one theme or period

• Works must be identified by artist and title, however if the name of the artist is unknown, or

there are multiple works with the same title, the student will also be expected to give date and

location for clear identification

• All thematic study must incorporate the formal study and contextual analysis of works of global

art and architecture from beyond the European tradition of culture

• All students must study at least one work from beyond the European tradition of art in 2D or 3D

and at least one work from beyond the European tradition in architecture from before and after

1850 in each of their thematic areas of study (see Appendix 1: Definitions (page 27))

• The tradition of Non-European art refers to art objects originating from cultures and societies

across the world: eg Japan, China, Africa, India or the Middle East For the purposes of this

specification, the European tradition includes the cultures of Europe and the arts utilising

European aesthetics Therefore, arts of colonised areas such as the United States, Australia,

New Zealand and Canada are considered part of the ‘European tradition’ but the arts from the

indigenous peoples of these countries are referred to as beyond the European tradition These

works must be explored in relation to their own cultures and contexts

All students must develop the ability to apply their knowledge and understanding in evidenced,

structured arguments of the following investigations:

• the art‒historical terms and concepts relevant to the theme

• the influential artists and art of key historical movements, periods and types of art relevant to the

theme

• changes in art over time, including: the influence of cultural, social, political and technological

factors on relevant works of art, artists and movements/periods

• the significant developments in materials, techniques and processes and how they have

contributed to changes in art

• the ways in which art has been used and interpreted by past and present societies

3.2.1 Nature in Art

A source of inspiration, a symbol of belonging or as an ideal of perfection; the natural world has

always played a vital part in shaping our art and architecture This theme covers the ways in whichthe motifs, messages and materials of nature have been used across time and place Students willstudy the variety and connections in works from across the world, and from both before and after

1850

Students must research in detail at least two works by each of three artists from the choice of

specified artists At least one work needs to be from before 1850 and at least one from after 1850

At least four further works by other influential artists must also be studied in order to cover all the

required learning outlined below

The following table details the art-historical investigations for this area of study which will be

assessed in Section B Students must use their knowledge and understanding to develop

evidenced, structured arguments and demonstrate their critical judgement

Investigation Theme coverage (pre and post 1850)

Art‒historical terms and concepts • Terms: relevant technical language for 2D, 3D and

• Biomorphic, zoomorphic and organic architecture

Subjects, forms, styles, contributions of

movements, artists and art

• Subjects: land/seascape genre in 2D

• Land/earth art in 3D

• Representation of animals in art in 2D and 3D

• Architecture influenced by nature (eg biomorphic,organic); changing relationship between wo/manand nature

• Styles: contribution and influences of specified andother artists

• Subjects and styles of artworks shaped by thenature from beyond the European tradition

Investigation Theme coverage (pre and post 1850)

Influence of cultural, social, political and

technological factors on movements,

artists and art

• Impact of the identity and status of artist

• Significance of, and relationship to place

• Significance of events, values and changingcontexts in selected works of art

• Contexts of artworks from beyond the Europeantradition

Developments in materials, techniques

and processes and their contribution to

changes in art

• Use of natural materials in 3D and architecturalwork

• Development of techniques and processes inspired

by the natural world in 3D and architectural work

• Different materials, techniques and processes inwork from beyond the European tradition

Ways in which art has been used and

interpreted by past and present societies

• Function in 2D, 3D and architecture

Art and architecture have always played a vital part in the expression of identity Works shape our

understanding of gender, nationality and ethnicity both as individuals and as societies This theme

covers the representation of divine beings, of individuals and groups and of communities or nations

in 2D, 3D and architecture across time and place Students will study the variety and connections

in global works from both before and after 1850

Students must research in detail at least two works by each of three artists from this list, exploring

the investigations as outlined below At least one work needs to be from before 1850 and at least

one from after 1850

• Benin bronze plaques (1550‒1650)

At least four further works by other influential artists must also be studied in order to cover all the

required learning outlined below

The following table details the art-historical investigations for this area of study which will be

assessed in Section B Students must use their knowledge and understanding to develop

evidenced, structured arguments and demonstrate their critical judgement

Investigation Theme coverage (pre and post 1850)

Art-historical terms and concepts • Relevant terminology for 2D, 3D and architecture

• Formal characteristics and their effects orcontributions to meaning

• Changing concepts of identity, nationality,ethnicity

Subjects, forms, styles, contributions of

movements, artists and art

• Divine identity in at least two different cultures

• Portraits of human identity: self, single and group

Influence of cultural, social, political and

technological factors on movements, artists

and art

• Impact of the identity and status of artist

• Significance of, and relationship to place

• Conflicted identity: social/political protest in 2D or3D works

• Significance of events, values and changingcontexts in selected works of art

• Contexts of artworks from beyond the Europeantradition

Developments in materials, techniques and

processes and their contribution to

Ways in which art has been used and

interpreted by past and present societies

• Function in 2D, 3D and architecture

3.2.3 The Art of War

An expression of triumph or loss; our responses and attitudes to war are shaped by works which

remember and either support or challenge the conflict Over time and place, attitudes towards war

have changed significantly and this theme covers the preparation, participation and responses to

international and civil wars in works of 2D and 3D art and in architecture Students will study the

variety and connections in works from across the world, and from both before and after 1850

Students must research in detail at least two works by each of three artists from this list, exploring

the investigations outlined below At least one work needs to be from before 1850 and at least one

from after 1850

• ‘Augustus of Prima Porta’ & ‘Ara Pacis’ (c13BC‒15AD)

• Red Fort and Agra Fort of Shah Jahan (c1628‒58)

• Francisco Goya (1746‒1828)

• Otto Dix (1891‒1969)

• Käthe Kollwitz (1867‒1945)

• Henry Moore (1898‒1986)

At least four further works by other influential artists must also be studied in order to cover all the

required learning outlined below

The following table details the art-historical investigations for this theme which will be assessed in

Section B Students must use their knowledge and understanding to develop evidenced, structured

arguments and demonstrate their critical judgement

Investigation Theme coverage (pre and post 1850)

Art-historical terms and concepts • Relevant technical language for 2D, 3D and

• Defensive and commemorative architecture

Subjects, forms, styles, contributions of

movements, artists and art

• Subjects: representation of historical andmythological (including religious) wars in 2D and3D

• Representation of leaders, participants and placesaffected by war in 2D and 3D

• Memorials commemorating loss and triumph in 2Dand 3D

• Styles: defensive and commemorative architecture

• Contribution and influences of specified and otherartists

• Artworks about war from beyond the Europeantradition

Influence of cultural, social, political and

technological factors on movements,

artists and art

• Impact of the identity, status and perspective ofartist

• Significance of, and relationship to place of conflict

• Significance of events, date, outcomes of war/sreflected in selected works of art

• Contexts of artworks from beyond the Europeantradition

Investigation Theme coverage (pre and post 1850)

Developments in materials, techniques

and processes and their contribution to

Ways in which art has been used and

interpreted by past and present societies

• Function in 2D, 3D and architecture

One period must be selected from the three following options:

1 Invention and illusion: The Renaissance in Italy (1420‒1520)

2 Rebellion and revival: The ‘Avant-Garde’ in Britain and France (1848‒1899)

3 Pop life: Contemporary art and architecture in Britain and the USA (1960‒2015)

The study of a specific period is intended to allow students the opportunity to research and explore

in detail the key movements, concepts, artists, contextual factors and related developments in a

specific place/s and across a clearly bonded time frame

• Students must study at least three works by at least two of the specified artists (from a choice offive) given for each period option

• Required investigation coverage is outlined in detail for each period and students must study at

least a further four works in order to build extensive knowledge and understanding for the

compulsory questions in Section C

• Although students may study works by the same artist across their selected theme/s and

period/s, each individual work of art or architecture may be studied only once across the course

• Selection of three works for each specified artist and additional works by other influential artists

is at the discretion of the teacher and student However, the works must be in the public domainsuch that they are easily accessible to examiners

• These further works, together with the work by selected specified artists must cover three types

of art, 2D, 3D and architecture (see Appendix 1: Definitions (page 27)

All students must develop the ability to apply their knowledge and understanding in evidenced,

structured arguments of the following investigations:

• the art‒historical terms and concepts relevant to the period

• the influential artists and art of key historical movements and types of art in each period

• the influence of cultural, social, political and technological factors on works of art, artists and

movements in each period

• the significant developments in materials, techniques and processes and how they have

contributed to changes in art

• the ways in which art has been used and interpreted by past and present societies