You will gain an understanding of art from the past and present and produce personal responses embracing a range of ideas. You will learn about materials and working practices. You will develop skills to investigate, analyse and experiment using art, craft and design.
We offer students experiences in printmaking, mixed media, drawing and painting, so whether you see yourself in the future as a painter, fashion designer or photographer, you will be introduced to the underlying principles of art and design.
How will I be assessed? Personal Portfolio (Coursework): You will produce 1 or 2 major units of work for this section. They will be based on either one in depth theme or two different themes and will explore a variety of media. The Personal Portfolio is worth 60% of the overall mark. Externally Set Assignment: The externally set assignment is a given theme set by the exam board. You are given a question paper eight school weeks prior to the exam and must produce research and development studies during this period in preparation for the exam. At the end of this preparatory period, there will be a 10-hour controlled assessment period, over two days, when a final outcome should be produced using a medium or media of your choice, for example a painting or sculpture. This externally set assignment is worth 40% of the overall mark.
Assessment Objectives: AO1: develop ideas through investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and cultural understanding AO2: refine ideas through experimenting and selecting appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes AO3: record ideas, observations and insights relevant to their intentions in visual and/or other forms AO4: present a personal, informed and meaningful response demonstrating analytical and critical understanding, realising intentions and, where appropriate, making connections between visual, written, oral or other elements
Is this the course for me? It is about having an adventurous and enquiring approach to art and design and the desire to develop your skills and knowledge. You must be able to work co-operatively and be willing to give and receive constructive criticism. The course requires you to explore and experiment with a wide variety of skills and techniques and learn about the work of different artists. Therefore you must be someone who enjoys has interest in and enjoys art.
Post 16 Pathways Studying art could lead to careers in such diverse fields as advertising, marketing, design, architecture, publishing and the media, fashion and textile design and product design. Art is also useful for many other careers where creative thinking and problem solving skills are required. The Art and Design GCSE course prepares you equally well for the following IB Visual Arts course or BTEC 3 Art and Design programme.
For Further Information: Please see Mr. Tony Fryer, Head of Visual Art