Why should I study GCSE Art?

Learning a creative art allows you to: 

• Learn many skills which are useful in a wide range of careers, such as the ability to express yourself, and present visually creative and exciting work

• Adding a creative arts dimension to your choice of GCSE subjects,  is something many employers and higher education providers look favorably on

• Art is an international language which can provide a range of opportunities to work and/or study abroad, or work for companies in the UK with international links

• Creative arts allows you to discover a greater sense of self expression. You can play and experiment with different ideas, materials and mediums to create something truly unique. 

• Creative arts gives you cultural capital - essential knowledge of the world around you to be an educated citizen 

• Creative arts can help you discuss, challenge and appreciate difficult topics or ideas 

• Creative arts enable you to create work which is personal and unique to you giving you a true sense of satisfaction and fulfillment 

What specification do we follow in Art? 

We will follow the AQA GCSE Fine Art. For access to the full specification please follow the link. 

GCSE Fine Art 

How will I be assessed in GCSE Art?

You have 4 assessment objectives that are weighted equally. We have used these from Year 7 all the way through KS3. This ensures total consistency with marking at GCSE. You will be marked at GCSE standard as soon as you start Year 10 so it is important to keep consistency high as the exam board does not consider progress evidence- consistency throughout is key! If there are areas of weak work, it is your responsibility to work on this to give you the best chance of accessing higher marks. 

Having your own materials will be key to allow you the flexibility of where you work. You will have checklists, feedback- verbally and written through your course. 

Is there a written exam for GCSE Art?

Whilst there is no written paper, you are encouraged to write reflective pieces at the end if you have time during your final exam. You are also expected to write artist analysis and annotate your thought processes. 

Will I have to do much writing in GCSE Art?

You will be expected to annotate your work & ideas to show your thought processes. You will be expected to write artist analysis to demonstrate your understanding of the work, style and the artists motivation for their work. Key terms should be used to demonstrate a deeper level of understanding.     

Is GCSE Art all drawing or will I get to do other things?

Drawing and painting will feature heavily throughout the course. You have been building your skills in these areas since year 7. The course will also provide opportunity for you to explore photography and textiles and use these in your work. We will also have a look at printing during the course.

Will I have to supply my own materials for GCSE Art?

Ideally to have some materials of your own will allow you to work from home and give the flexibility of where you work. If not, you will have to be prepared to put the hours in afterschool. 

How can I succeed in GCSE Art?

In order to be a successful GCSE Art student all you need is enthusiasm, creativity, resilience, determination, independence, curiosity, empathy, confidence and be willing to embrace challenge and experiment. 

You will be provided with all of the necessary resources to support you but ultimately it will be down to you to make the most of them. Your teacher will do everything they can to facilitate your learning but the responsibility to take on board and apply advice is ultimately down to you. You must make sure that you are an active listener and respond to feedback. 

You will need to be prepared to spend some time, out of lessons, consolidating the learning that has occurred in class and revisiting terminology, artists and skills regularly.  You will also need to be willing to work outside of lessons to ensure that work is refined and your portfolio of evidence is as developed and detailed as possible. 

What can I do once I have completed the course?

People with creative arts skills and knowledge usually have an advantage over people without them. They stand out as talented, confident and creative people, with broad and exciting horizons. Taking GCSE Fine Art means you will:

• Add an extra dimension to your personal skills profile which will impress anyone who reads your CV 

• Have the confidence to push yourself out of your comfort zone and experience new opportunities

• Be able to study AS, A level and Vocational Art, design or creative courses to further your knowledge of the subject. 

• Be able to think creatively and critically about problems and the world around you

Am I allowed to choose Fine Art with Textiles or Photography GCSE? 

No. The GCSE Fine Art course runs under the same course code (GCSE Art & Design) as GCSE Textiles & GCSE Photography. Studying 2 Art & Design GCSE's would only give you 1  GSCE qualification as you cannot be registered twice for the same course.