Art & Design (Fine Art)

This GCSE Art course has something to offer every learner and every interest. Learning Art & Design : Fine Art provides students with a unique way of perceiving themselves and the world they live in through a very broad and diverse perspective. The course is concerned with the development of perspective, physical and technical skills, awareness of cultural changes and differences, the ability to discriminate and make sensitive, informed judgements about the wider world. Students will work in a wide range of mediums from painting & drawing, printmaking, mixed media, photography, digital media, whilst developing a wider historical knowledge through the understanding and appreciation of artists, designers and craftspeople. Students usually complete three projects during their two year course and a controlled assessment taken at the Easter of Year 11.

Students will follow the new AQA syllabus. Students will gain one GCSE in Art & Design : Fine Art and will have the opportunity to respond to a number of different themes. The portfolio of work developed in lesson time is worth 60% of the overall GCSE grade, with the remaining 40% being gained through a controlled assessment.

Alongside improving your practical expertise, you’ll learn how to:

• develop, refine and record your ideas

• present a personal response that realises your intentions

• improve your creative skills through the effective and safe use of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies

• successfully use visual language and the formal elements eg colour, line, form, shape, tone, texture

• use drawing skills for different needs and purposes.

Throughout the course, there is an emphasis on widening the scope of individual students' experiences, skills and understanding by further developing traditional and non traditional skills associated with Art & Design : Fine Art. This course has proven to be a popular and rewarding option, with an exceptionally high pass rate.

A high percentage of our students continue to study A Level Fine Art and/or Photography , with many going on to study Art, Craft and/or Design at Art Foundation and Degree level. Prospective employers and colleges of further and higher education, highly value the creative experiences an Art & Design: Fine Art course gives to students as they are more flexible learners, demonstrate sharp analytical and problem solving skills, are able to articulate and develop ideas, are strong communicators and are critical thinkers, demonstrating empathy and cultural understanding of the wider world.

Transferable skills

If you enjoy being creative, want to increase your practical skills and improve your analytical, communication and research abilities, art and design is a great choice. The skills you gain make it a great complement to other subjects. Art and design is a way of seeing things and making sense of the world around you. It can help you with further study and prepare you for the world of work. You’ll develop problem solving, creative thinking, investigation, research, communication and teamwork skills, and gain the ability to develop, refine and present ideas. Employers and universities regard all of these highly.

Careers

A qualification in Fine Art can open doors to the following careers:

• Fashion design

• Graphic design

• Theatre designer

• Animator

• Video game designer

• Illustrator

• Museum curator

• Photographer

• Architecture

• Product design

• Textiles design

• Ceramics

• Advertising

• Publishing

• Interior design

• Fashion and media journalism

• Hair and make-up design

• Retail design

• Exhibition design

• Jewellery design

• Artist

• Visual media

• Teaching