No written exam, all work finished by May in Year 11, and the chance to develop your own ideas and individual work
…interested? Then consider GCSE Art and Design/Fine Art.
The GCSE Art course enables you to explore designs and ideas creatively, realising their ideas through a variety of media areas such as Drawing and Painting, Textiles, printing processes, photography and 3-D, if desired.
The course is structured around a number of modules that are theme based to develop the Portfolio Unit/Component 1, and an Externally Set Assignment/Component 2 as the final practical exam.
How is the course assessed?
You must complete four Assessment Objectives in both the portfolio component and the externally set assignment.
AO1 Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources
AO2 Refine work by exploring ideas – select and experiment with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes
AO3 Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses
AO4 Present a meaningful personal response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language
*Drawing and some annotations are essential
Course Structure and Content
COMPONENT 1
Portfolio 60% | A selection of work from the projects. Year 10 and the first term of Year 11. Students explore a range of media, develop techniques and learn how to address the assessment objectives. to develop their ideas. Students progress to developing their own individual ideas around a number of themes for their sustained project. Component 1 must show examples of at least one sustained project. The mock exam times help build on these units with specific focus areas |
COMPONENT 2
Externally Set Assignment 40% | Practical Exam. Students select from a number of externally set starting points/themes. The exam is issued in the first week of January in Year 11. Spring Term is used to complete preparation work, followed by a 10-hour final piece exam. Students then exhibit their work which includes their portfolio and the externally set assignment. All work is marked by the art teacher and moderated by a visiting moderator |
Essential Requirements
To succeed in GCSE Art, students need strong observational drawing skills, the ability to plan ideas on paper, and a willingness to research artists and imagery independently. They must show a clear creative journey, discuss ideas with their teacher, and stay motivated to work independently. Homework is essential and builds on classwork. The Art room is open on several lunchtimes for extra work. In Year 11, folders are reviewed to ensure all assessment objectives are met.
Future Pathways
Students can continue their art journey to A Level Art, where students have a dedicated art studio to develop their ideas. Alternatively, some students choose to continue their art journey through courses at local colleges. Both routes can lead to further study at university or entering an art-based career.
Art GCSE also delivers transferable skills that are useful for many career pathways such as team work, presentation skills, creative problem solving, creative design and development of ideas, independent time management, research skills, resilience building, and skills of visual communication.
Careers require an art background span digital media, fashion, interior design, fine art, and advertising, with common roles including architect, graphic designer, animator, art director, illustrator, art educationalist and curator. Fields include 3D design, photography, game design, and fashion, offering opportunities in industries ranging from film to corporate marketing. Many of the careers available can be viewed on visuals in the Art Room’s cloakroom.