GCSE Exam Board: AQA (8201) Who to Speak to: Mr. Earl
Art teaches many skills; besides visual awareness and problem solving, it encourages focus and concentration, builds confidence to express opinions, encourages initiative, and encourages students to have an appreciation of the environment and the world around them. This course offers students the potential to take ownership of their artwork. Students are encouraged to develop their ideas through exploration and experimentation using a broad range of 2D and 3D materials and techniques. Opportunities exist for working in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and mixed media work.
There are many opportunities in the creative industries, plus creative roles in various sectors including media and internet, teaching and education, and marketing, advertising, and PR. The Creative sector is one of the fastest growing industries. Employers include local councils, advertising agencies and design consultancies, educational institutions, and publishing or multimedia companies as well as opportunities for self-employment.
You should be interested in: Drawing and recording from direct observation, the context and importance of Art and Design in society, developing research and analytical skills using experimentation and creative thinking, exploring a wide variety of techniques with a strong focus on drawing, presenting ideas in a variety of ways including sketchbooks and boards, developing an individual creative approach in order to produce a range of personal and highly developed pieces of artwork.
The coursework will take the form of two projects which are split into several smaller assignments. Working from set themes, students will be expected to undertake their own research using libraries, the internet, and by visiting galleries. From their research, students will need to develop their own ideas on a theme with the aim of producing a range of responses of work for both projects.
Drawing from first hand observation is fundamental to the course. The majority of the work produced will take the form of two sketchbooks, which act as a visual diary documenting the progress of the two projects. A visit to a museum or gallery (Virtual tours are also an option) will be incorporated into the course structure. Looking at the work of other artists is an integral aspect of the assessment criteria. Students will learn how to make critical judgments about their own work and learn how to appreciate, understand, and learn from the work of artists, designers, and crafts people.
The third project will be the exam unit - choice of 7 themes from the AQA exam board.
Being passionate and enthusiastic about Art is going to help students succeed on this course.
Component 1: Personal portfolio (course work) = 60% of final grade. Students will produce a personal portfolio of practical and written work based around a theme or themes set by their teacher.
Component 2: Externally set assignment (examination project) = 40 % of final grade. Students will have lesson time, over a period of approximately twelve weeks, to prepare practical work inspired by a choice of about seven topics set by the examination board. This will be followed by a ten-hour practical examination under examination conditions. Student’s work will be assessed using criteria in 4 areas;
A01 Researching and Developing Ideas, A02 Experimenting and Refining Ideas, A03 Recording and Reflecting Ideas, A04 Responding and Realising planned outcomes
Students should opt for Art and Design if they wish to go on to study an art-based subject at university (any subjects that involve design and subjects such as architecture and engineering) or would like a career in the arts such as the television and film/theatre industry; graphic or web design, furniture/fashion and textile design, illustration, art therapy, gaming, or product design. They should also select Art if it is a subject, they are good at, enjoy and can commit to completing to the best of their ability
Follow the link to the BBC bitesize website to see the subject content on more detail for Art