Art and Design
Is this subject right for me?
Do you enjoy making art? Do you find exploring ideas visually thought-provoking? Do you find the freedom to experiment with different material appealing? Do you find making art interesting and relaxing? If the answer is yes, then you will find that studying Art and Design is right for you.
What do I need to know or be able to do before taking this course?
The most important thing you need to know before taking this course is that you really enjoy the things listed above! You will keep your work in a sketchbook with a folder of loose work, they are the record of all the work you produce. There are lots of options to work in diverse ways – you just need to know you will be happy making art and are happy to spend class time and your own time on practicing, making and looking at art.
What will I learn?
You will learn to use the process of seeing, making and thinking to explore your visible and imaginative world through serious play. As the years progress you will choose your own themes, materials, and inspiration to express your individual thoughts, feelings, observations and ideas. Using a broad range of materials, examining artists’ work and, most importantly, playing with possibilities you will explore drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, mixed media, photography, wire, plaster, clay and more as you learn.
In Year 9 we focus on developing skills, experimenting and having fun! In Year 10, we usually start with a trip where you will learn more about how to record from observation and you will visit a gallery. Most recently we went to the Tate Britain and we plan to go to Brighton. In Year 11 we always visit a London gallery to support the production of your work.
Where could it lead?
Studying Art and Design at GCSE is an essential gateway into the creative industries, one of the largest work sectors in the UK. An Art and Design background is the perfect foundation for a career in:
Design - graphic design, architecture, 2D, 3D design, web design, fashion design, interior design, product design, make up, illustration, app design, gaming design, CAD/ CAM designer, costume and theatre design, production design for theatre, television and film.
Marketing - advertising, brand designer, brand strategy.
Fine Art - fine art painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, curating, museum and gallery education, scenic artist, event organisation, gallery or art technician, digital artist, animator.
Assessment
Year 9 & 10 – Your whole portfolio of work is marked holistically.
Year 11 – As above, plus a separately assessed ‘Externally Set Assignment’.
There is no final exam.
Exam Board
Edexcel