Linking the visual arts core syllabus areas to the assessment tasks

As part of the core syllabus students will be expected to: For assessment students will be expected to:
(in a variety of media selected from the art-making forms table) (in a variety of media selected from the art-making forms table)
Practices
Visual arts in context Visual arts methods Communicating visual arts Combining all they have learned from visual arts in context, visual arts Ext/ SL HL
Artists and why they make art Ways of making artwork Ways of presenting art methods and communicating visual arts core syllabus areas: Int

Examine and compare the COMPARATIVE STUDY:

work of artists from different
times, places and cultures,
using a range of critical
Theoretical
Students analyse and compare different artworks by different artists. This
Explore ways of
Look at different techniques independent critical and contextual investigation explores artworks, objects
communicating through visual
for making art. Investigate and artifacts from differing cultural contexts.
and written means. Make

methodologies. Consider the
practice
cultural contexts (historical,
geographical, political, social
and technological factors)
influencing their own work
and the work of others.
PART 1
and compare how and why
artistic choices about how to Ext 20% 20%
different techniques have At SL: At HL:
most effectively communicate
evolved and the processes
knowledge and Compare at least 3 different As SL plus a reflection on the extent
involved.
understanding. artworks, by at least 2 different to which their work and practices
artists, with commentary over 10–15 have been influenced by any of the
screens. art/ artists examined (3–5 screens).

PROCESS PORTFOLIO:
Make art through a process of Experiment with diverse Students submit carefully selected materials which evidence their
investigation, thinking Produce a body of artwork experimentation, exploration, manipulation and refinement of a variety of
media and explore techniques
Art-making through a process of

critically and experimenting
practice with techniques. Apply
concepts through processes
identified techniques to their
own developing work.
PART 2
for making art. Develop visual arts activities during the two-year course.
reflection and evaluation, Ext 40% 40%
showing a synthesis of skill, At HL: 13–25 screens.
that are informed by skills, At SL: 9–18 screens.
media and concept. The submitted work should be in at
techniques and media. The submitted work should be in at
least three different art-making
least two different art-making forms.
forms.

EXHIBITION:
Evaluate how their ongoing Students submit for assessment a selection of resolved artworks from their
Develop an informed
work communicates meaning Select and present resolved exhibition. The selected pieces should show evidence of their technical
response to work and
and purpose. Consider the works for exhibition. Explain accomplishment during the visual arts course and an understanding of the
Curatorial exhibitions they have seen PART 3
nature of “exhibition” and the ways in which the works use of materials, ideas and practices appropriate to visual communication.
practice and experienced. Begin to Int 40% 40%
think about the process of are connected. Discuss how
formulate personal intentions
selection and the potential artistic judgments impact the At SL: At HL:
for creating and displaying
impact of their work on overall presentation. 4–7 pieces with exhibition text for 8–11 pieces with exhibition text for
their own artworks.
different audiences. each. A curatorial rationale each. A curatorial rationale
(400 words maximum). (700 words maximum).

This table illustrates a snapshot of the visual arts course at a glance. The assessment tasks (on the
right) are drawn horizontally from across the three core curriculum areas (on the left). Please refer
The visual arts journal underpins every aspect of the course. Students will use the journal, which
Visual arts to the relevant core syllabus or assessment task sections of this guide for the full requirements of
can take many forms, to record all aspects of their art-making journey, including experiments with
journal each area or task.
media, research, reflections, observations and personal responses. Although not directly
assessed, elements of this journal will contribute directly to the work submitted for assessment Students must follow the principles of academic honesty in all their work in this visual arts course;
they must ensure they acknowledge sources as well as the work, words and ideas of others in line
with the consistent referencing style adopted by their school.

Extracted from the IB Visual Arts Guide (First Examinations 2016) – Toni Hauri