The Art and Design GCSE course will enable you to choose between a GCSE specialism in Fine Art or Textiles. You will learn to:

• express yourself; your ideas and feelings individually

• think creatively and imaginatively

• improve your powers of observation

• explore the world visually

• develop your practical skills

• learn new techniques and processes

• experiment with different materials

• explore the work of artists and designers

ASSESSMENT

The work required for the Art & Design GCSE qualification is in two parts:

Unit 1: Art and Design Portfolio – 60%

Unit 2: Art and Design OCR –Set Task – 40%  

Art - OCR Art & Design: Fine Art J171

Year 9: Foundation skills

Throughout this academic year, students will engage with a project-based curriculum designed to develop a comprehensive artistic portfolio within a dedicated A3 sketchbook. We will explore three distinct artistic movements and themes:

• Pop Art

• Distortions & Reflections

• Expressionism

Through these projects, you will explore, experiment and refine specific technical skills in:

• Art and Drawing techniques

• Mixed Media application

• Photography

Year 10 & 11: Coursework Portfolio & Controlled Assessment Unit 60%

Coursework Portfolio Requirements

Core Components

• A4 Sketchbook: A continuous record of progress, research, and experimentation throughout the course.

• 3 A1 Presentation Development Boards: Large-format boards used to showcase the development and refinement of your ideas.

• Final Outcome: A2-sized final artwork that demonstrates mastery of techniques and a resolved artistic vision.

Themes

Students will explore from a departmental central theme as a starting point for the unit:

• Self Identity

• Discarded

• Journey

• Food

• Coastal Environment

Learning and Development

In-class sessions will introduce new techniques and processes related to your chosen theme, supplemented by independent investigation and research.

You will explore a range of media and processes, including:

• Drawing

• Painting

• Mixed Media

• Photography

Learning about artistic practice extends beyond the classroom. We will engage with the work of diverse artists and craftspeople through visits to galleries and museums. You will have opportunities to experiment with large-scale formats on your A1 development boards before realising your final vision in A2 size.

Controlled Assessment Set Task 40%

Set Task and Final Assessment

The course culminates in a final, externally set task designed to assess your accumulated skills and creative development. 

The Set Task Process

1. Question Paper Issue: A question paper will be issued in January, providing a list of starting points.

2. Selection and Development: You will select one starting point and spend approximately ten weeks of class time developing supporting work and research in your portfolio.

3. Final Outcome: The final artwork is produced under controlled conditions during an intensive ten-hour timed period over two days.

Textiles - OCR Art & Design: Textiles J174

As a Textile Design student, you will be introduced to a wide range of processes and skills through investigation and exploration in fabric, drawing and photography. The visual and tactile qualities of materials will be explored and you will be encouraged to learn new techniques, and to experiment with their application in a variety of personal outcomes. Learning from, and about the work of Fashion Designers, Artists, Photographers and Textile Designers is an integral part of the course. The emphasis being on personal enthusiasm and involvement.

The creative arts are one of the biggest employers in the world of work, playing an important part in the industry. With the skills acquired in Textiles, no matter what career you choose, those who can arrange, present and display in a way that is aesthetically pleasing will have an advantage.

Year 9: Foundation skills

Colour: Theory & Textile techniques

Through an A5 sketchbook you will be introduced to and explore a range of creative techniques, learning to experiment and refine specific technical skills. This will lead onto a personal investigation set to your own theme.

Textiles techniques

• Mixed Media application e.g applique, quilting, machine embroidery, 

• Core Skills: research, drawing, photography, and hands-on manipulation of fabrics and techniques.

• Exploration: You will learn new techniques, experiment with their application, and create a variety of personal outcomes.

• Contextual Studies: Learning from and about the work of Fashion Designers, Artists, Photographers, and Textile Designers is an integral part of the course, fostering personal enthusiasm and involvement.

Year 10 & 11: Coursework Portfolio & Controlled Assessment Unit 60%

Coursework Portfolio Requirements

Core Components:

• A4 or A3 Sketchbook: A continuous record of progress, research, and experimentation throughout the course.

• A1 Print & embellishment development boards: used to showcase the development and refinement of your ideas.

• Final Outcome: a Textile piece that demonstrates mastery of techniques and a resolved artistic vision.

Theme:

Students will explore from a departmental central theme as a starting point for the unit:

• Animals & Nature

Learning and Development:

In-class sessions will introduce new techniques and processes related to your chosen theme, supplemented by independent investigation and research.

You will explore a range of media and processes, including:

• Print & embellishment

• Repeat patterns

• Mixed Media textile techniques

• Photography

• Presentation skills

Controlled Assessment Set Task 40%:

Set Task and Final Assessment

The course culminates in a final, externally set task designed to assess your accumulated skills and creative development. 

The Set Task Process:

1. Question Paper Issue: A question paper will be issued in January, providing a list of starting points.

2. Selection and Development: You will select one starting point and spend approximately ten weeks of class time developing supporting work and research in a sketchbook.

3. Final Outcome: The final Textiles response is produced under controlled conditions during an intensive ten-hour timed period over two days.

Creative skills are valuable because they foster critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, while also building confidence, resilience, and emotional intelligence. These skills are crucial for personal growth, are highly sought after by employers, and contribute to a more innovative and collaborative society.