Course Handbook

Samples with commentary

Cambridge International AS & A Level
Art & Design 9479
AS Level for examination from 2019
A Level for examination from 2020

Version 2
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Contents

Component 1: Coursework .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 24
Component 3: Personal Investigation........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 37

The samples in this booklet represent a range of levels in each of the three components above. Comments are provided for each portfolio to help you understand
how the mark scheme is applied. This booklet accompanies the Cambridge International AS & A Level in Art & Design (9479) Course Handbook.

These images are designed to be viewed on screen to allow for the use of the zoom facility. If you wish to print them out, they are of sufficient resolution to be
printed on A3 sheets.
Component 1 Coursework

Component 1: Coursework

Low level response

Portfolio

Some satisfactory initial

observations into the
investigation of the chosen
theme.

The drawing studies show

understanding, but they lack
depth of study.

There is limited exploration

with media which could have
helped to realise the
intentions more fully.

4 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 1 Coursework

Low level response

Portfolio

Recording ideas, observations

and insights at first hand
would have helped to focus
and inform personal interests.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 5

Component 1 Coursework

Low level response

Portfolio

The development of ideas

comes from a limited range of
relevant sources.

There is a limited critical

understanding in the analysis
of sources.

6 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 1 Coursework

Low level response

Portfolio
There is some evidence of
connections between visual
and written elements as
appropriate.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 7

Component 1 Coursework

Low level response

Final outcome

The final outcome shows

some evidence of personal
and coherent realisation of
intentions.

8 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 1 Coursework

Mid-level response
Portfolio

The work shows a set of

studies indicating first hand
observations and photographs
taken by the learner.

The investigations and

development of ideas are
successfully communicated
within the context of the
research.

These are presented in a

coherent manner and
displayed with clear intention.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 9

Component 1 Coursework

Mid-level response
Portfolio

The analysis of the inspiration

is clear and concise. The
different media shows clear
influences within the artist
references and cultural
analysis.

10 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 1 Coursework

Mid-level response
Portfolio

The connection between the

hair braids, masks and artists
is steadily realised into a more
stylised compositional
approach.
Understanding of the process
is consistent and ideas are
revised and refined as the
project develops, showing
confident realisation.
The work indicates
experimentation with a range
of appropriate resources,
media, materials, techniques
and processes.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 11

Component 1 Coursework

Mid-level response
Portfolio

The typographical element

could have been further
developed with greater
experimentation. The
aesthetic quality of the final
outcome would have
benefitted from more
consideration and analysis of
the text and image.

12 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 1 Coursework

Mid-level response
Final outcome

The final outcome is clearly

realised and is a coherent
combination of initial source
materials and research.
There is evidence of
purposeful intention and
evolution of ideas.
However, the analysis of the
hair braids becomes less
highlighted in the final
development stages.
More detailed observational
studies would have enabled
the theme to translate more
fully.
Some of the compositional
and colour studies were
stronger than the final, and if
nurtured, could have elevated
the impact of the final
outcome.
More studies of artists such
as Toulouse-Lautrec and
Picasso would have informed
the outcome to a greater level
of achievement.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 13

Component 1 Coursework

High level response

Portfolio

The work shown here is a

combination of folklore and
contemporary stimuli.

14 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 1 Coursework

High level response

Portfolio

The work displays strong

personal interpretation and
cultural connections.

These are reviewed and

refined within the context of
the theme to a highly
accomplished level.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 15

Component 1 Coursework

High level response

Portfolio

The studies progress and

develop throughout the
project, demonstrating an
excellent ability.

16 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 1 Coursework

High level response

Portfolio

The exploration and

evaluation of ideas shows
clear communication, which
inform the final stages of the
project.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 17

Component 1 Coursework

High level response

Portfolio
The learner has achieved a
series of focused studies that
demonstrate a high level of
understanding of the materials
and media for the specific use
of illustration.

18 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 1 Coursework

High level response

Portfolio
Consideration of different
media may have been of
benefit.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 19

Component 1 Coursework

High level response

Portfolio

Thorough and relevant

research from other sources
has allowed the figurative
studies to develop into
successful graphic strips.

The written annotations

support the journey.

20 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 1 Coursework

High level response

Final outcome

The learner is demonstrating

skills and competencies
effectively, perceptively and
with focus by recognising,
reviewing and refining
potential solutions as the work
develops.

The exploration and

experimentation demonstrates
an excellent grasp of
analytical and critical
understanding.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 21

Component 1 Coursework

High level response

Final outcome

A coherent and personal

response that is imaginative
and indicates a high level of
independent work. Significant
connections have been made
between visual and written
elements which are very
convincing.

22 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 1 Coursework

High level response

Final outcome

The visual language of the

theme is connected
throughout the project.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 23

Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment

Low level response

Supporting studies

The initial research is

competently investigated from
photographs, confirming
exploration of texture and
tone.

24 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

Low level response

Supporting studies

There is some use of different

and appropriate materials and
media and there is evidence
of recognising and exploring
different possible outcomes.

However, the research is

quite linear and does not
explore enough artistic
influences within the context
of the theme.

Patterns are intricately

worked out but sensitivity is
lost in the translation to the
faces.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 25

Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

Low level response

Supporting studies

The work demonstrates a

limited ability to control and
organise ideas by reviewing
and refining them as the work
develops.

Stronger cultural and personal

links to the choices made
would have helped the work
to develop to a higher level.

26 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

Low level response

Supporting studies

In-depth analysis and

investigation of facial studies
could have improved the
overall aesthetic of the
portraits with patterned skin.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 27

Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

Low level response

Final outcome

A reflective outcome that

shows some evidence of the
learner’s intentions.

The final outcome could have

exhibited a stronger and more
convincing response if the
initial studies had been
developed and expanded to a
more focused and in-depth
investigation using a range of
relevant sources.

28 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

Mid-high level
response

Supporting studies

The work demonstrates some

highly effective initial ideas.

The work is well-presented,

following a structured and
annotated process.
Detailed investigations of the
cans’ crumpled nature have
been thoroughly researched.

The surface, texture and

properties have been
analysed in different media to
a competent level.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 29

Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

Mid-high level
response

Supporting studies

The analysis of the influence

of Andy Warhol within the
context of the theme is
assured.

The learner has taken a

crumpled soup can and
applied the Campbell’s label
to it. This exhibits an effective
ability to experiment and to
push ideas through to the final
outcome.

The annotation is appropriate

and the photographs clearly
indicate the depth of
research.

30 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

Mid-high level
response

Supporting studies

An extended exploration of
media and materials whilst
developing the still-life could
have been encouraged.

This would have resulted in a

more sophisticated level of
research and a higher level of
achievement.

The texture of the leaves

seen in the supporting studies
has been processed through
contact printing. However, this
process was not used in the
final outcome and its inclusion
within the supporting sheets
adds no value.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 31

Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

Mid-high level
response
Final outcome

The final outcome shows a

competent level of
engagement. The visual
relationship between all the
elements is well balanced and
considered.

The use of different media is

good. However, the sensitive
use of colour seen on the
cans in earlier research was
not displayed as confidently
here.

Research into other artists’

techniques with regard to
foreground arrangement
within the context of the still-
life would have informed the
final outcome.

32 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

High level response

Supporting studies

The learner has experimented

with a wide range of
appropriate resources, media,
materials, techniques and
processes by recognising and
exploiting emerging
possibilities to successfully
develop solutions.
References to the installation
artist Cornelia Parker were
confident and relevant.

The learner has used specific

works as a basis for reference
and to expand and explore
their theme in-depth. They
have also been used in an
independent manner.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 33

Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

High level response

Supporting studies

These studies show how the

artist's techniques within their
chosen media of glass and
clay has been developed and
adapted by the learner.

34 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

High level response

Supporting studies

The overall shape of the

vessel has been maintained.
The work displays a mature,
independent and imaginative
response.

There is a highly
accomplished level of
technical skill with regard to
the control employed over the
clay medium, and the series
of photographs taken indicate
a high level of interest and
personal engagement with the
theme.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 35

Component 2 Externally Set Assignment

High level response

Final outcome

The final outcome is a

conceptual piece displaying
striking aesthetic appeal.
The response makes
sophisticated and mature
connections of accomplished
practice throughout.

Greater exploration of more

media techniques and review
of more than one installation
artist would have been
beneficial.

36 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

Component 3: Personal Investigation

Low level response

Supporting studies

This image has been included

for completeness. Please see
below for comments.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 37

Component 3 Personal Investigation

Low level response

This image has been included
for completeness. Please see
below for comments.

38 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

Low level response

There is limited research
relevant to intentions. Some
sense of purpose is evident but
typically it limits the ability to
reflect critically.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 39

Component 3 Personal Investigation

Low level response

There is some evidence of
connections between visual,
written and other elements.
However, the investigation is
limited to a basic appraisal of
the impact of events in her
childhood on Nevelson, and the
direction in which it leads her
work.

40 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

Low level response

While the prose and the format
is coherent and
comprehensively laid out, the
study is repetitive. The critical
understanding and refining of
the enquiry has not evolved to a
more accomplished level.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 41

Component 3 Personal Investigation

Low level response

The learner accessed some
sculptures first-hand in the
museums and art galleries,
indicating some degree of
personal engagement and
experience.

However, because the initial

idea is not expanded upon, the
visual language of the project
remains at a basic level.

42 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

Low level response

A second artist is introduced
into the study and was not
mentioned in the original
statement. While it may be
advantageous to research
additional artists who could
strengthen the critical
understanding of the Personal
Investigation, these must be
relevant and integral to the
study.

The relationship between the

artists and their experiences,
and the learner and their
interpretation of these factors
into their practical work, is not
given enough attention, and so
the discussion of the theme is
only ever adequate.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 43

Component 3 Personal Investigation

Low level response

This image has been included
for completeness. Please see
below for comments.

44 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

Low level response

First hand sources were

satisfactory.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 45

Component 3 Personal Investigation

Low level response

The learner has produced their
own three-dimensional
response to the artists’ work.
The response is clear and the
work includes personal and
informed judgements and
observations through to their
own work.

Unfortunately, the research into

techniques and processes, and
the handling of the materials
used conveys a limited sense of
purpose and relevance.

46 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

Low level response

The Personal Investigation
could have been improved with
further practical and analytical
exploration of the subject
matter.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 47

Component 3 Personal Investigation

Mid-level response
This work shows evidence of
organised planning and the
presentation is
comprehensively laid out.

48 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

Mid-level response
The topic for this Personal
Investigation is ‘A comparison
between landscape painting
and landscape sculpture’,
referencing some local and
non-local artists to support the
development of the brief.

There is some evidence of first-

hand resources.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 49

Component 3 Personal Investigation

Mid-level response
This image has been included
for completeness. Please see
below for comments.

50 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

Mid-level response
There is evidence of a coherent
and personal theme throughout
the development. The written
part is well constructed and
clearly composed.

However, the enquiry does not

appear to explore personal
views beyond an informed
level.

While the research is

purposeful and competent, it is
more descriptive than
analytical.
This prevents the project from
developing further into an
integrated observation, where
formal elements are discussed
at a more personal and
independent level.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 51

Component 3 Personal Investigation

Mid-level response
The interview with the artist,
although first-hand, could have
been better planned with more
conceptual thinking relating to
the theme.

Questions relating to the

analysis of the comparison
would have directed the
research to a more convincing
appraisal.

The prose is continuous and

shows good ability to refine and
review the work as it develops.

However, it reads more like a

scripted narrative rather than
demonstrating clear critical
understanding by perceptive
analysis.

52 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

Mid-level response
The practical studies relate to
the artists chosen and show
appropriate technical selection
of research material that can be
identified within the context of
the project.

The process is well-

documented and explored, but
it lacks cohesion as it is has not
evolved aesthetically enough to
support the topic.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 53

Component 3 Personal Investigation

Mid-level response
A good ability to reference the
artists’ work is obvious. The
learner has made connections
throughout the project.

However, the depth of

integration of visual and
analytical elements needs to be
expanded upon in order to
relate a strong sense of
personal engagement.

54 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

Mid-level response
This indicates some success
through thorough research.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 55

Component 3 Personal Investigation

Mid-level response
The presentation shows
evidence of some personal and
coherent realisation of
intentions but it might have
shown greater imagination and
independence in order to make
significant connections.

56 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

Mid-level response
The investigation of the theme
is relevant.

However, the linear quality of

the review has prevented a
more in-depth approach to the
study. The conclusion is
superficial and lacks
consideration.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 57

Component 3 Personal Investigation

Mid-level response
The brief has not been fully
realised.

58 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

Mid-level response
This image has been included
for completeness. Please see
below for comments.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 59

Component 3 Personal Investigation

High level response

This image has been included
for completeness. Please see
below for comments.

60 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

High level response

The work is highly
accomplished, with links to local
cultural and artist influences
throughout.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 61

Component 3 Personal Investigation

High level response

First-hand sources and learner-
conducted interviews form a
strong foundation for the
project.

Recording ideas, observations

and insights are confident. They
demonstrate reflective, critical
and independent judgements.
The research is coherent
throughout the practical work.

62 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

High level response

The work is reviewed, explored
and skilfully interwoven with
analysis of choice works carried
out by the chosen artist.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 63

Component 3 Personal Investigation

High level response

Understanding of the concept
and the direction of the brief is
clearly exhibited through the
layout and written commentary.

The experience of the learner

with their culture, the museums,
galleries and the artist has
allowed them to make
significant connections between
visual and written elements in a
structured and significant
dialogue.

64 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

 Component 3 Personal Investigation

High level response

The handling of the materials
within the context of the theme
is detailed and shows
understanding of the primary
sources.

Well planned transactions

between the learner and the
artist are considered and
complex, in an independent and
individual interpretation.

Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479 65

Component 3 Personal Investigation

High level response

The presentation is personal
and coherent showing fully
realised research.
The outcome shows a well
thought out and detailed
journey.

The end result is an original

handmade book that displays
an outstanding ability to
investigate and develop the
contextual and analytical
proposal to an appropriate and
personal conclusion.

66 Cambridge International AS & A Level Art & Design 9479

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