History of Art A Level (Edexcel) 

If you’re preparing for the Edexcel A Level in History of Art or just exploring the subject, it’s important to understand how the course is assessed. This offers a clear and simple breakdown of the History of Art A Level exam structure—perfect for students, parents, and tutors.

What is the A Level History of Art?

The Edexcel A Level History of Art helps students develop visual literacy, critical thinking, and an understanding of art and architecture across time and cultures. The course is assessed through two written papers, each worth 50% of the final grade.

Length of Exam:  3 hours
Percentage of Qualification: 50%
Marks Available: 110

Section A: Visual Analysis (36 marks available)

Students answer one compulsory question based on unseen photographs of:

• A painting (12 marks)
• A sculpture (12 marks)
• A building (12 marks)

Marks are awarded for identification, analysis and interpretation of aspects in given images.

This section assesses a student’s ability to visually analyse artworks using observation, vocabulary, and understanding of artistic elements—without needing to know the specific work in advance.

Section B: Themes (74 marks available)

Students choose two out of three themes, each with one compulsory question in two parts:

• B1: Nature in art and architecture (37 marks)
• B2: Identities in art and architecture (37 marks)
• B3: War in art and architecture (37 marks)

For each Theme, you will answer one required question made up of two parts:

Part A – 12 marks
Discuss at least two artworks or buildings you have studied, explaining how they relate to the Theme.

Part B – 25 marks
You will be given a statement to respond to.
Give your opinion (agree, disagree, or partly agree) and support it with examples from specific works of art and/or buildings, as well as any relevant critical texts or writers you’ve studied.

Paper 2: Periods. (Paper code: 9HT0/02)

Length of Exam: 3 hours
Percentage of Qualification: 50%
Marks Available: 110
Number of Questions: 2 questions (55 marks each) split into 4 parts

• Question (a) – marked out of 5
• Question (b) – marked out of 5
• Question (c) – marked out of 15
• Question (d) – marked out of 30

Choose Two Art Periods

Students select two from the following five historical periods:

• C1: Invention and Illusion – The Renaissance in Italy (1420–1520)
• C2: Power and Persuasion – The Baroque in Catholic Europe (1597–1685)
• C3: Rebellion and Revival – The British and French Avant-Garde (1848–1899)
• C4: Brave New World – Modernism in Europe (1900–1939)
• C5: Pop Life – British and American Contemporary Art and Architecture (1960–2015)

Each period has a compulsory question split into four parts, testing both contextual and visual knowledge of key works and movements.

For each period, answer a single compulsory question in four parts

• Question (a) 5 Marks
  Explain one aspect of an individual work of art / architecture
  
• Question (b) 5 Marks
  Explain one aspect of an individual work of art / architecture
  
• Question (c) 15 Marks
  Explore and Evaluate at least two works of art and/or architecture
  
• Question (d) 30 Marks
  Make a a judgement on a provided statement and support argument with
  reference to named works of art and/or architecutre and critical text(s). 

Summary: Key Points of the History of Art A Level Exam

• Two exam papers, each 3 hours long

• Each paper is worth 50% of the total A Level

• Paper 1 focuses on visual analysis and themes

• Paper 2 focuses on historical art periods

• Both papers include a mix of short and extended response questions

Final Tips

Understanding the structure of the History of Art A Level exam is the first step in preparing effectively. Make sure to review past papers, practise visual analysis regularly, and build a strong knowledge base of key artworks and periods.

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