Edexcel A Level Art & Design: Fine Art specification (9FA0)
Understanding the exam specification is key to doing well in your Edexcel A Level Art & Design: Fine Art exam. It lays out exactly what you need to learn, how you'll be assessed, and what skills the examiners seek. Whether you're working through the course for the first time or revising for your final exams, the specification helps you stay focused and confident in your preparation.
We've included helpful revision tools to support you in putting the specification into practice. Wherever you're starting from, you'll find everything you need to feel prepared, from the official specification to high-quality resources designed to help you succeed.
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In the next section, you'll find a simplified summary of the official Edexcel A Level Art & Design: Fine Art specification, along with a breakdown of key topics, assessment structure, and useful study resources. We've also included links to topic-level guides and revision tools to help you put the specification into practice.
Contents
Disclaimer
This page includes a summary of the official Edexcel A Level Art & Design: Fine Art (9FA0) specification, provided to support your revision. While we've made every effort to ensure accuracy, Save My Exams is not affiliated with the awarding body.
For the most complete and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend consulting the official Edexcel specification PDF.
Specification overview
The Pearson Edexcel A Level Art & Design: Fine Art course focuses on developing aesthetic and conceptual skills through media, techniques and processes for creative self-expression. Students explore ideas relating to identity, society, perception, and culture using drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and lens-based media. The course encourages independence, critical understanding, contextual research, and reflection through visual and written forms. It prepares students for progression into higher education and the creative sector by fostering personal responses that reflect both individual and societal perspectives:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.Subject content breakdown
Art and Design (Fine Art) (9FA0)
- Explore aesthetic and intellectual concepts through traditional and digital media
- Use fine art to explore identity, perception, visual language, culture, and societal themes
- Develop contextual understanding from sources such as exhibitions, architecture, literature, and nature
Disciplines within Fine Art (work in one or more):
- Painting and Drawing:
- Properties: plasticity, opacity, colour tone and perception
- Materials: charcoal, graphite, pastels, inks, oils, watercolour, digital software
- Tools: brushes, knives, sponges, card, sticks, found objects
- Printmaking:
- Processes: screen printing, intaglio, relief printing
- Emphasis on print qualities and tool/media interaction
- Sculpture:
- Techniques: modelling, carving, constructing
- Materials: wood, clay, textiles, plastics, recycled materials
- Tools/processes: welding, joining, casting, 3D printing
- Lens-based Image Making:
- Media: digital, film, installation, sound
- Processes: editing, storyboarding, set design, animation
- File types: .mov, .wmv, .gif, HD video
All disciplines emphasise:
- Drawing from observation and imagination
- Use of digital and non-digital tools
- Critical engagement with contemporary and historical practices
- Understanding of materials and sustainability considerations:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Assessment structure
Component 1: Personal Investigation
- 60% of total qualification (90 marks, scaled to 108)
- Internally set and marked, externally moderated
- Includes:
- Supporting studies: practical exploration and development
- Practical work: development and final outcomes
- Personal study: min. 1000 words of continuous prose, critically linked to practical work
- Assessed using AO1–AO4 and a fifth criterion for written communication in the study
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment
- 40% of total qualification (72 marks, unscaled)
- Released on 1 February annually
- Includes:
- Preparatory studies: visual and written exploration
- 15-hour sustained focus period (up to 5 sessions in 3 weeks) for unaided final outcome(s)
- Assessed using AO1–AO4 only
Assessment Objectives (25% each)
- AO1: Develop ideas with contextual and analytical understanding
- AO2: Explore and refine materials and processes
- AO3: Record observations and insights
- AO4: Present meaningful outcomes with connections to ideas
Grading and structure
- Overall scaled mark: 180 (Component 1 = 108, Component 2 = 72)
- Graded A*–E
- All work must be authenticated and submitted by end of course:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Key tips for success
Doing well in your Edexcel A Level Art & Design: Fine Art isn't just about how much you study, but how you study. Here are a few proven tips to help you stay on track
- Start with a clear plan: Break the subject into topics and create a revision schedule that allows enough time for each. Start early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising: Use our revision notes to build a strong foundation in each topic, making sure you actually understand the material.
- Practise regularly: Attempt past papers to familiarise yourself with the exam format and timing. Mark your answers to see how close you are to full marks.
- Be strategic with your revision: Use exam questions by topic to focus on weaker areas, and flashcards to reinforce important facts and terminology.
- Learn from mistakes: Whether it's from mock exams or practice questions, spend time reviewing what went wrong and why. This helps prevent repeat mistakes in the real exam.
- Stay balanced: Don't forget to take regular breaks, eat well, and get enough sleep, a healthy routine makes revision much more effective.
With the right approach and consistent practice, you'll build confidence and improve your chances of exam success.
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