What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?

Students should fulfill the standard entry requirements that apply to admission on the St Christopher’s IB Diploma programme. In addition students will ideally have completed the GCSE Art course successfully to enter the IB Visual Arts programme. However this is not a prerequisite and all cases will be considered on merit. New students to St Christopher’s or those not having completed the GCSE course will be asked to consult with the Head of Art and submit a portfolio of work for review before they enter the IB Visual Arts programme.

What will I learn on this course?

Visual Arts students will conceive of, develop and create a body of practical and investigative work, both visual and written, which represents their individual journey through 2 years of intensive art learning and practice. This body of work will ultimately lead to an exhibition of studio work and an oral discussion of ideas, concepts and discoveries with the IB examiner.

Students have an opportunity to articulate their own worldview, personal cultural background and possibly their adopted cultural background as they explore issues of identity and self. The Visual Arts syllabus allows for a wide range of responses and working styles in relation to current contemporary art practice. Diversity in terms of media, discipline and concept will be encouraged to facilitate the successful development of studio practice. Students can experience a range of media including Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Digital Imaging and Printmaking in accordance with art department staff’s training and skills.

As well as the production of large scale practical work in the Art studios, extensive and integrated use of the Investigation Workbook (IWB) will take place both in school and at home. The Investigation Workbook plays a vital role in the development of skills, techniques, research, concepts and understanding. The relative importance of the investigation workbooks depends on whether the student has chosen option A or option B. The investigation workbooks will incorporate contextual, visual and critical investigation and should function as working documents that support the student’s independent, informed investigation and studio practice. They should contain visual and written material that addresses contextual, visual and critical aspects of the investigation.

Students can opt for one of four IB Visual Arts courses, Higher Level A, Higher Level B, Standard Level A and Standard Level B. The content of the SL courses will be identical to that of the HL courses but the quantity of work produced will be proportionate to the reduced number of hours prescribed

Option A (HL and SL)

Option A is designed for students who wish to concentrate on studio practice in visual arts. At both HLA and SLA, the investigation workbooks are integral to studio practice and should reflect the student’s critical visual and written investigation.

Option B (HL and SL)

• Option B is designed for students who wish to concentrate on contextual, visual and critical investigation in visual arts
• At both HLB and SLB, students should demonstrate connections between academic investigation and studio work
• In all options, an integrated relationship between studio work and investigation work is essential throughout the course

What kind of student is this course suitable for?

This course is designed for motivated students who wish to further their education in art through directing their own work and effectively exploring a range of working practices. The IB Visual Arts course follows on sequentially from the GCSE Art course, although the level of independent thinking required is naturally higher. Students who are considering this option must be willing to respond to challenges and be prepared to extend themselves accordingly. Decision making, analytical and critical thinking, use of initiative, independent study and an exploratory approach to the production of art are integral elements of the course.

How will my work be assessed?

Both your Studio Work and Investigation Workbooks are assessed according to the weighting outlined in the table below. Assessment will be used as an effective teaching and learning tool and teacher, peer and self assessment strategies will be used in relation to the IB Assessment descriptors and utilised to aid further learning.

Works is assessed internally by the Art teachers and externally by a visiting examiner. The visiting examiner will assess the Studio Work In options HLA and SLA. For Options HLB and SLB, the visiting examiner will assess the Investigation Workbook.

What skills can I develop by taking this course?

Students who embark upon the IB Visual Arts course will of course develop on a technical level as they become more adept in handling a range of media, enabling them to successfully realise personal concepts in visual form. However, developing practical skills and visual communication is just one aspect of the Visual Arts programme.

The IB Visual Arts course promotes an open-minded and inquiring approach to aesthetics and culture and will nurture skills in creative problem solving and critical thinking. The Investigation Work Book will be an ideal vehicle for you to explore concepts, ideas and issues, allowing you to develop a substantial knowledge of the Visual Arts. The Studio Work element of the course will give you an opportunity to communicate concepts and express your own views through the production of artwork. Students should be willing to take risks in order to achieve personal growth and augment prior knowledge and skills. Reflection on your work in terms of concept, process and form is an integral element of the course.

What could I go on to do at the end of this course?

There is an enormous range of higher education courses – too many to mention here – available for students who wish to continue studying the Visual arts beyond International Baccalaureate.

Careers for which an art background is relevant include advertising, numerous careers in design, illustration, fashion, publishing, architecture, art restoration, museums, theatre or art gallery work. IB Visual Arts will of course be valued outside of art related fields because it nurtures skills in areas such as problem solving, creativity and research.

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