IB Visual Arts HL/SL

Course outline including skills, development and assessment

The critical skills which will be developed relate to critical thinking and the way in which students not just look at their world but ask questions based around reasoning and aesthetic sensitivities. This critical thinking is in close partnership with TOK and citizenship.

The Visual Arts course both at standard level and higher level is divided into three specific aspects of art; Theoretical practice, Art making practice and Curatorial practice.

The work by students is assessed in three parts:

Part 1: The Comparative Study (externally assessed, 20%)

Part 2: The Process Portfolio (externally assessed, 40%)

Part 3: The Exhibition (internally assessed, 40%)

The Comparative Study - An in-depth critical and contextual investigation exploring artworks from differing cultures.

For HL students a further investigation is required which questions the extent of the influence upon their own artworks and development.

The Process Portfolio - This is an ongoing document compiled over the whole course and demonstrates refining of ideas, use of experimentation and investigation of materials and concepts. It is a digitally edited visual journal which reflects the critical thinking processes of art making. HL students produce more evidence and explore a wider range of art-making forms.

The Exhibition - This is the result of resolved artworks directly relating to a body of research, development and investigation of the creative process. HL students produce a greater number of final exhibition pieces which are supported by a more in depth written rationale that reflects the relationship between the work and the viewer.

The IB core and its links to Visual Arts.

Theory of knowledge (TOK)

For the Visual Arts students this is a great opportunity for asking questions that will inform their art-making, investigation and practice.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

For the Visual Arts students this is a chance to curate exhibitions, run workshops, become involved in productions, design public works and mentor both on and off campus.

Extended essay

Interested students are required to write a 4000 word essay on a visual arts topic of their choice based on independent research.