Art and Design: Fine Art

GCSE Art and Design encourages creative thinking skills and develops visual literacy. The discipline of drawing is at the foundation of other skills in Art. It is used as a tool, by which students can analyse, record and translate the world around them. Critical studies enhance and underpin practical teaching, where students engage with artists, designers and architects of contemporary and historically significant, as well as culturally diverse contexts. Analysing wider issues and concepts, developing critical thinking and imitating the processes, methods and media used by artists, inspire students to embrace their own creativity and individual self-expression.

Overview – 

The course aims to:

• Widen student’s knowledge and understanding of media and techniques.

• Improve skill-base by developing students use of techniques.

• Introduce students to a wide variety of artists from the timeline of art history.

• Guide students on how best to use inspiration from different sources.

• Provide students with opportunities to express their creativity through visual language. Developing students’ abilities to record, refine, experiment, develop, research and present. 

The course covers the following structure and topics:

• Nature & Decay - Students will explore the theme through various artist starting points - street artist ROA, ATM and Kate Malone. Students will have valuable opportunities to develop their observational skills in a wide range of media such as photography, printmaking and clay. Students will analyse and reflect throughout the project, which in turn will inform their own personal responses.

• I, Me, Mine - Students will progress onto an independent project where they will have an opportunity to direct their portfolio in a more personal way. Students will start with observational skills including photography and drawing. Observational and explorative work will be developed through a wide range of media and techniques including oil paints, printmaking, 3D, textiles and photography. Students will explore the meaning of identity throughout and produce a personal response of their own choice.

Assessment – 

Personal Portfolio (60% of overall mark)

You will need to create a personal portfolio of work in response to themes set. Your work must comprise of supporting studies and personal responses. You will be working on your personal portfolio until December Year 11.

Externally Set Exam (40% of overall mark)

You will spend your lesson time creating a project exploring a theme you have chosen from the exam paper. You will explore this theme through investigative work, experimental and preparatory studies and a personal response. Your personal response will be created in a 10 hour exam at the end of your prep period.

All work is internally marked and externally moderated.

Subject links –

Art allows students to develop transferable skills, such as problem solving, communication and critical thinking skills, which will prepare you for further study or the world of work. These skills are also important in many other GCSE subjects.

Careers – 

Careers in Art and Design are many and varied and here are just some of them:

Interior designer; architect; set designer; fashion designer; gallery curator; ceramicist; restoration painter; fine artist; illustrator; tattoo artist; animator; graphic designer; web designer; games designer; digital designer; police composite artist; court room artist; photographer; costume designer; toy designer; mural artist; art director; make-up artist; landscape architect; art therapist; textile designer; jewellery designer; art editor; prop maker; artist teacher; picture framer; medical illustrator; glass designer; arts administrator; shoe designer; car designer.

Industry’s demands for an increasingly innovative and globally competitive workforce make learning in the subject ever more relevant to young people. 

Even if you do not pursue an Art and Design job career, by taking the subject for GCSE can be to your advantage, e.g. Artists are required in the police force (composite artist), archaeologists, engineering (drawing and designs), nutritionists, scientists, journalists.

For further information, please contact 

Head of faculty - Emma Aves      Email - info@ipswichacademy.org.uk