BlogVisual ArtsHow to Nail HSC Visual Arts Section 1 by Using a Scaffold

How to Nail HSC Visual Arts Section 1 by Using a Scaffold

Art in a museum - HSC Visual Arts Section 1

Students often go into Visual Arts Section 1 entirely unprepared, when they could just learn a Visual Arts scaffold!

“But we haven’t seen the images!” I hear you say, “How can I prepare for something I haven’t seen?”

Well no need to fear! The answer, my friend, is a Visual Arts scaffold!

With a scaffold, you are able to go into an exam, with no knowledge of the questions, but being 100% assured you can achieve the marks you need. If you have a total mental blank in the exam, falling back on a scaffold will make you feel confident about your answer.

A scaffold means the markers will have to give you marks, even if your information sounds more like you’re trying to interpret a pile of rocks rather than an artwork.

5 Marker Scaffold
8 Marker Scaffold
12 Marker Scaffold

5 Marker Scaffold

  1. Answer the question – identify whether the question is referring to Practice, Conceptual Framework or The Frames. Have a specific answer to the question, rather than just repeating it.
  2. Include citation material – try to include this in a relevant way rather than just dropping it in.
  3. Include three SEE (statement, example, explain) points to support your argument.
  4. Link back to the question.

Let’s take a look at this question from a past HSC Visual Arts paper and a Band 6 five-marker response.

Looking at the above response, note how I have included all of the above dot points necessary to create a well structured response.

8 Marker Scaffold

  1. Answer the question – identify whether the question is referring to Practice, Conceptual Framework or The Frames.
  2. Have a thesis which links the plates together (there may be 2 or 3 plates for an 8 marker).
  3. Include citation material – try to include this in a relevant way rather than just dropping it in.
  4. Plate 1: include one or two SEE (statement, example, explain) points to support your argument.
  5. Plate 2: include one or two SEE points to support your argument.
  6. Plate 3: include one or two SEE points to support your argument.
  7. Link back to the question.

Note: use the text extract if available to help you with your analysis.

Here is an example 8-marker question from the 2017 HSC Visual Arts exam paper:

You can find a band 5/6 example response here.

Now have a try to do this yourself! You can use the practice exams found here.

12 Marker Scaffold

  1. Introduction – Answer the question, have a thesis, include citation material.
  2. Paragraph 1: use 2 or 3 SEE (statement, example, explain) points to compare the plates.
  3. Paragraph 2: use 2 or 3 SEE points to compare the plates.
  4. Paragraph 3: use 2 or 3 SEE points to compare the plates.
  5. Make a judgement/evaluation.
  6. Link back to the question.

Note: It is super important for this question that firstly, you identify whether it relates to practice, conceptual framework or the frames. Secondly, you must make an evaluation regarding the question.

Here is an example 12-marker question from the 2017 HSC Visual Arts exam paper:

And there you have it! The unseen question scaffold that paired with good analysis, will guarantee you a Band 6 in Visual Arts Section 1. If you’re looking for more resources on analysing unseen images, we’ve got a clear walkthrough of Section 1 for Visual Arts here for you!

What’s next? 

Have a try to do this yourself! We’ve collected HSC Visual Arts Past Papers for you and the marking criteria here.

Plus, now it’s time to master your essay responses! Scaffolding basically involves laying out the individual elements of an essay one by one so that you can see exactly what you need to include. It makes writing and memorising much, much easier!

Check out our Essay Scaffold for HSC Visual Arts here so you can figure out exactly what you need to write!

Only in your practical module? Read up on finding Inspiration for Your HSC Visual Arts Major Work!

On the hunt for other HSC Visual Arts resources?

Check out some our other articles and guides below!

Looking for some extra help with HSC Visual Arts?

We pride ourselves on our inspirational HSC Visual Arts coaches and mentors!

We offer tutoring and mentoring for Years K-12 in a variety of subjects, with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at one of our state of the art campuses in Hornsby or the Hills!

To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor get in touch today!

Give us a ring on 1300 267 888, email us at [email protected] or check us out on TikTok!


Brooklyn Arnot is currently studying Philosophy, History and English at The University of Sydney. In her spare time she enjoys drawing mythical landscapes, flowers, trees, and artsy signs for her cafe during long train rides and basically any time there is a pen and paper around. Her incredible high school English teachers gave her a passion for literature and education, leading to her extreme enthusiasm for the HSC English syllabus and her dream to go to Scandinavia to study old viking literature.

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