The GCSE Art and Design specification is designed to:

• provide inspiration and a range of exciting and stimulating opportunities that encourage and challenge students to develop and explore ideas in art and design in an independent and personal way

• give you choice and flexibility in the way you tailor your course to the needs of your students and the strengths of your school.

The specification has two components: 

• Component 1 comprises a Portfolio of work selected from the course of study. This must include a sustained project which evidences the student’s creative journey from initial engagement to the realisation of intentions. It must also include a selection of further work undertaken during the student’s course of study 

• Component 2 is an externally set assignment (ESA) in which students choose and respond to a starting point from an externally set assignment paper.