Art & DESIGN

What will I do in this GCSE?

During Yr 10 you will have the freedom to create an assessed portfolio of work based on a theme and media of your choice. You will begin to channel your strengths, whether that may be drawing and painting, 3D sculpture, ceramics, textiles, photography or digital image manipulation, we will encourage you to develop your skills.  In Yr 11 there will be an externally set assignment, this involves approximately 12 weeks preparation time leading to a 10 hour exam which is completed over two days. There are four assessment objectives. These cover observational drawing, exploration and refinement of media and techniques, a response to artist's, craft person's and designer's work, leading to an individual final piece for both your portfolio project and the externally set exam.

How will I be assessed?

You will receive consistent verbal feedback that will help you to strengthen your skills, develop creative ideas and refine your artwork. We will encourage you to be self reflective in regard to your own artwork and processes and gain the confidence to make independent creative decisions. 

You will be given targets set within lessons, as a class, and individually. During the course you will complete and present for assessment: one coursework unit worth 60% of your overall grade and one exam unit that is weighted at 40%.

Is there anything else I should consider and what are the career pathways?

Art can be a time consuming subject, but ultimately rewarding and worthwhile.  Students are expected to produce artwork at home as well as during the lessons.  A keen interest for the subject is essential and suitable students should be willing to use their drawing skills as a basis across all art disciplines.  Many of our students have gone on to further and higher education courses and even careers in interior design, architecture, fashion, photography, landscape architecture, product design, video game design, jewellery, glass, illustration, car design, art therapy, special effects, props and costume design, animation and graphic design.. There are many pathways for the visual and creative arts and as a department we see GCSE as an important first step on this journey.

For more information about this subject please contact:-

Mr N Osborne (Head of Art)