How do I improve my portfolio and sketchbook to achieve and A/A* grade?

Although good quality artwork within your sketchbooks are important, examiners also look for development of ideas, honest explanations of processes of thought and critique of your own work to show you can develop an idea to the best possible artwork you can produce. For example, to achieve top grades within your sketchbook you need to have explored different media, ideas and then evaluated why you like/don't like these ideas or what went well/didn't go well. For example, if you were doing a project on war and specialise in acrylic painting, try photography and document the exploration of this media within your sketchbook. It does not matter if you decide this media is not for you, as long as you write down why, how, what and your honest opinions and then how this aided your development of your overall idea.