IB Visual Art

Applications open: Monday 17th November 2025

Applications close: Monday 12th January 2026

Entry requirements: Five GCSEs including: Maths and English at Grade 4.

How to apply: We do not accept KentChoices applications. All applications must be made by clicking on the following link - https://leighacademyrainham.applicaa.com/sixthform

IB Art aims for students to:

-Enjoy lifelong engagement with the arts

-Become informed, reflective and critical practitioners in the arts

-Understand the dynamic and changing nature of the arts

-Explore and value the diversity of the arts across time, place and cultures

-Express ideas with confidence and competence

-Develop perceptual and analytical skills

-Make artwork that is influenced by personal and cultural contexts

-Become informed and critical observers and makers of visual culture and media

-Develop skills, techniques and processes in order to communicate concepts and ideas

You'll gain hands-on experience by working with at least three different art-making forms, chosen from at least two of the following exciting categories:

1. Two-Dimensional Forms

Unleash your artistic vision on flat surfaces! This includes:

Drawing: Using materials like charcoal, pencil, or ink.

Painting: Experimenting with acrylics, oils, or watercolours, even murals.

Printmaking: Exploring techniques like relief prints or intaglio.

Graphics: Diving into illustration, design, graphic novels, or storyboarding.

2. Three-Dimensional Forms

Bring your ideas to life in 3D! This covers:

Sculpture: Creating pieces by carving wood or stone, modelling with clay or wax, or constructing using various materials like wood, plastic, or even found objects.

Ceramics: Making hand-built forms or thrown vessels.

Designed Objects: Such as models, interior design elements, or jewellery.

Site-Specific / Ephemeral Art: Engaging with land art or installations.

Textiles: Working with fibres, weaving, or constructed textiles.

3. Lens-Based, Electronic, and Screen-Based Forms

Step into the world of digital and photographic art:

Time-Based and Sequential Art: Creating animations (like stop-motion) or video art.

Photography: Exploring traditional (analogue) or digital photography, including montage.

Lens-less Media: Experimenting with techniques like photograms or pinhole photography.

Digital / Screen-Based: Using software for painting, design, illustration, or vector graphics.

This diverse approach ensures you develop a broad skillset, discover your preferred artistic pathways, and build a strong portfolio for your future creative journey!

Part 1: Comparative Study [20%]

Students will analyse and compare different artworks by different artists. This independent critical and contextual investigation explores artworks, objects and artefacts from differing cultural contexts. The works selected for comparison and analysis should come from contrasting contexts (local, national, international and/or intercultural). Students will submit screens and list of sources used, which analyse the extent to which their work and practices have been influenced by the art and artists examined.

Part 2: Process Portfolio [40%]

Students will submit carefully selected materials which evidence their experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of visual arts activities during the two-year course. Students submit screens which evidence their sustained experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of art-making activities. Students the submitted work must have been created in at least three art-making forms, selected from a minimum of two form lists (2D forms, 3D forms and lens, electronic and screen-based forms).

Part 3: Exhibition

Students submit for assessment a selection of resolved artworks from their exhibition. The selected pieces should show evidence of their technical accomplishment during the visual arts course and an understanding of the use of materials, ideas and practices appropriate to visual communication.

-Students submit a curatorial rationale that does not exceed 700 words.

-Students submit 8-11 artworks.

-Students submit exhibition text (stating the title, medium, size and intention) for each selected artwork.

-Students must submit two photographs of their overall exhibition. These exhibition photographs provide an understanding of the context of the exhibition and the size and scope of the works. While the photographs will not be used to assess individual artworks, they also give the moderator insight into how a candidate has considered the overall experience of the viewer in their exhibition.

5 GCSES at Grade 9-4. *For those who have studied Art at GCSE you will need a Grade 5. You will also require a Grade 5 in English Language and Grade 4 in Maths.

An Art education can open doors to diverse and dynamic fields, including:

Graphic Design: Creating logos, websites, and visual content for brands.

Fashion Design: Designing clothing, accessories, and leading trends.

Architecture & Interior Design: Shaping spaces and environments.

Animation & Gaming: Bringing characters and worlds to life.

Illustration: Creating images for books, magazines, and digital media.

Photography & Film: Capturing moments and telling stories visually.

Marketing & Advertising: Developing visually compelling campaigns.

Curating & Gallery Work: Showcasing and preserving artistic works.

Teaching & Art Therapy: Inspiring others through creative expression.