The students are assessed in a variety of ways throughout the course. The three main sources of evidence for their final marks in each unit are:

• their Critical Studies books
• their Final Pieces and Prep Boards
  
• their Blogs

Most lessons involve some form of ongoing formative assessment and everyone takes part in regular group crits and presentations. The final grade is a best fit based on the student's quality of work judged against the following criteria provided by AQA, the examination board:

Assessment Criteria

AO1:
Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding.

AO2:
Experiment with and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining work as it develops.

AO3:
Record in visual and/or other forms ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, demonstrating an ability to reflect on work and progress.

AO4:
Present a personal, informed and meaningful response demonstrating critical understanding, realising intentions and, where appropriate, making connections between visual, written, oral or other elements.