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INTRODUCTION
The course we run at King Henry VIII is the Edexcel Fine Art GCSE. This course is more rigorous than the IGCSE. Whilst we use traditional media to develop skills and ability we also explore digital media. The aim is set up pupils with a full and creative skillset.
COURSE OUTLINE
The course is split in to two Components:
Component 1: Personal portfolio – an open project or projects are set by the teacher. In Year 10 the work is focused on skills development and explores a range of techniques, ideas and approaches to art.
Work in Year 11 allows pupils the opportunity to utilise these skills in responding to themes and ideas in a personal way.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment - there are no written exams in Art GCSE. Instead there is an Externally Set Assignment in terms 2 and 3 of year 11. This is a themed project, pupils are given a single word to respond to in a personal way. The ESA concludes with a ten hour period of ‘sustained focus’ in which pupils complete their final outcomes under under exam conditions.
The value of Components are as follows:
Component 1: 60%
Component 2: 40%
WHY CHOOSE ART?
Art GCSE is a chance for pupils with a love of the subject to develop their skills in a range of different media:
Drawing: sketching, design.
Chalk and charcoal.
Painting: watercolour, acrylics.
Collage
Printmaking
Digital art: photography and editing / painting apps.
There are numerous transferable skills in Art that are highly valued by employers:
Creativity
Creative thinking
Practical ability
Design and presentation skills
Personal expression
Self-confidence and self-belief
Example of GCSE extension work:
HOW ART IS GRADED
As this is a British Edexcel qualification, GCSE Art is graded from 1-9. The scale works out roughly as follows, though it should be noted that an 8 is considered an A* and a 9 is now considered an A**.
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