All the coursework done during year 10 and 11 makes up the Portfolio. Students also complete an Externally set assignment (Exam) which is set over 10 hours.

A number of projects using a variety of media will be undertaken, including:

• Drawing

• Painting

• Observation work

• 3 dimensional work

• Graphics

• Printmaking

Pupils must complete a 'portfolio' which will consist of a sustained project and a selection of further work. Personal work can also be included.

Pupils cover:

• Media Skills

• Use of Imagination

• Researching

• Recording

• Analysing

• Selecting

• Planning

• Creating a range of ideas

• Understanding and Incorporating the ideas of other Artists/Designers which make up the Portfolio

Pupils must be aware that more marks are awarded to the processes of making a piece of artwork than to th efinal piece. ICT plays and important part in GCSE Art.

Approximately 100,000 people in the UK are employed in the design industry using qualifications gained in Art education. Many other types of creative work from hairdressing to engineering design require some form of art training. 

25,000 people alone are employed in the North West of England in companies such as Video Games manufacturing, which is now a bigger industry than the music industry or the US film industry.