Commentary to support marking

Visual Art Standard Level Sample B

Comparative Study May2016

English

In the table below please provide a short commentary, maximum of 60 words per question/criteria, to justify
the mark allocation to support workshop leaders using this sample in a workshop. Please do not refer to the
candidate by name or number, or make comparison to other candidates as this document will need to be
annonymised before uploading on the Workshop leader resource centre (WRC).

The commentaries are intended to support teachers’ understanding of assessment in this subject so that
they can then develop other activities that assess understanding to the same standard.

Guidance for writing commentaries:

 Before writing comments read the subject report and grade descriptors for this subject. Comment
should not contradict either of the documents.

 Explain why students missed/gained marks and the level of understanding that this demonstrated;
useful language from the grade descriptors could be included.

 Highlight any common problems that need to be addressed by teachers

Criterion Mark Out of Justification

A 6 6 The analysis of formal qualities is consistent, insightful and informed.

There are many very good examples of this, but note on screen four
the description of foreshortening and how composition is used by
Rubens to give relative values to the protagonists.

B 6 6 This study has been thoroughly researched. Consequently the analysis

and understanding of meaning is very well informed and systematically
supported by references. This is not at the expense of a personal
voice, with comments on Guernica for example such as “The light
bulb…. may symbolise how technology has the power to destroy us”.

C 6 6 This student has fully understood how cultural context impacts on

meaning. The linking theme of conflict has helped to give continuity to
the introductions to each art work and for each one the evidence is
logically evaluated to support insightful analysis. Screen six on
Guernica is a strong example, or the excellent description of the
political and social context of Chicano street art.

D 6 6 This is an intelligent choice of art-works for effective comparison; the

pieces share a common thread – art and conflict- yet they emerge from
 very contrasting cultures. As a consequence the connections are
logical, interesting and coherent. The Venn diagram is used effectively
and the very full descriptions in the final grid are focused and thorough.
Note the clarity of the paragraph at the top of the final screen, which so
succinctly outlines the conclusion of the comparative study.

E 6 6 Information is clear and coherent. The use of images to support ideas

is creative and never distracting. Subject specific language is fluently
applied to the analysis.

Total: 30 30 This response is an excellent example of good citation. Not only are
the sources for information clearly cited at the point of use, but all
illustrations are very clearly referenced.