GCSE Art and Design

This broad and balanced course will allow you to explore a range of Fine Art media, techniques and processes, including both traditional and new technologies within the Art industry.

You will cover practical work, along with a study of artists, allowing you to develop personal and creative work in at least two Fine Art media such as:

As part of the course, you will produce a portfolio of Art work which will allow you to study particular themes in relation to the work of a range of past and contemporary artists, crafts persons and designers.

You will demonstrate skills in composition and design, making appropriate use of colour, line, tone, texture, shape and form, in response to an idea, theme or brief. The use and development of a personal sketchbook will be a crucial part of the course. You will need to explain and critically review your work, through written annotations, as this will form a crucial part of the assessment.

Component 1: Coursework 60% –  This consists of a portfolio of selected work from a series of assignments.

Component 2: Final Test Exam 40% – You need to produce your own assignment in response to an externally set Exam paper. You will have nine weeks preparatory time and 10 hours of supervised work, conducted under exam conditions. The test will form part of the exhibition which will be assessed both internally by school staff and by a moderator from the AQA board.

An interest in the subject and a willingness to work hard are as important as any natural ability when choosing this subject. Home Learning will be set each half-term, and will be an important part of any course. Students will therefore need a sketch book, HB and 2B pencils, colour pencil crayons and an A3 folder or portfolio – all of which are available from the Art department as an Art Pack.