GCSE Art and Design
GCSE Art and Design provides you with a wide range of creative and stimulating opportunities to explore your interest in Art. The course is developed to encourage your creative potential, by using a variety of different endorsements including Drawing, Painting, Graphics, Computer aided Design, Photography and Art History.
All work completed in lessons and for homework will be accounted for. The Portfolio is built up from several smaller projects where you practise your drawing and research skills, you are inspired by other artists, you experiment with media and you develop your own personal response. In Year 9 you will develop your skills, techniques and understanding, to ensure you are successful at GCSE Art and Design. In the Trinity Term, you will start your GCSE coursework and continue in Years 10 and 11. In order to succeed in Art and Design, you must be prepared to work hard, do your homework, enjoy being creative and have a love for Art!
Unit 1: Portfolio of Work - 60%
The majority of coursework is completed in Years 10 and 11 both in lessons and at home. Every piece of work is entered as part of your GCSE. You will be given a range of projects which will fulfil the marking criteria and develop your artistic ability.
Unit 2: Externally Set Task - 40%
In January of Year 11 you will be given an examination paper from which you will choose 1 question. You will have a period of time to prepare and research your question and then complete a final piece in a 10 hour controlled exam.
Students will be required to purchase art materials to complete their work at home. The Art Department sells an optional art pack at a reduced price of £25, which includes all of the materials required. In Year 11 students will also need to buy 3 canvases and attend a trip to the Tate Modern (total approximate cost of £25).
Why study Art and Design?
Choosing Art and Design will enable you to develop your creative ability which is widely valued by universities and work places, giving you a broad spectrum for the future. There is a vast range of careers which Art will be ideal for, including Illustration, Media, Set Design, Fashion, Interior Design, Photography, Hairdressing, Product Manufacture, Architecture, Film and Television.
How to do well in GCSE Art & Design
- Meet all deadlines and complete homework (approximately 2 hours every week)
- Be prepared to experiment with ideas, media and techniques
- Try hard and work to the best of your ability at all times
- Have your own equipment and media
- Challenge yourself and be self-critical