AIM

• To develop the ability to express and communicate ideas and feelings using visual language.

• To develop skills in the use of a range of art tools and techniques.

• To develop understanding of the work of artists and designers.

• To develop the confidence and ability to plan, investigate, develop ideas and realise intentions with increasing independence.

• To provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to study creative subjects further and to go into creative industries.

• To celebrate talents and abilities within this subject.

CONTENT

The course is structured through a series of creative projects which offer practices such as drawing, painting, printing and sculpture. In addition, students may use photography and digital imagery to develop their ideas.

Increasingly, students in Year 11 specialise and develop a depth of knowledge and understanding within specific processes. At the final stage of the course students will prepare for and undertake an externally set assignment involving preparatory work and a practical timed test.

ASSESSMENT

Final assessment is in the form of a display of work which contains the following two components: Coursework (60% of total mark) Externally Set Assignment (40% of total mark). The Externally Set Assignment includes a 10 hour practical exam. There is no written exam, although students are required to include written work about artists, and annotations, in their sketchbooks.

COURSEWORK (Component 1: Personal Portfolio)

Year 10 Projects:

Under the Sea

September to February

This  is a sustained 2 dimensional project focusing on mark making, painting and printing. Students work in a sketchbook to explore a range of different artists and techniques. The final outcome for this project will be a 2D piece of work exploring the theme of under the sea. Students will participate in a trip to Tring Natural History Museum to gain experience drawing sea creatures and birds from first hand observation.

Wire sculpture  

February to July

This is a sustained 3 dimensional project looking at the work of Celia Smith. Students employ a variety of different wire techniques to produce 3D sculptures inspired by Smith's bird sculptures. Throughout the project they will produce several pieces of work outside their book with the final outcome being a large bird based sculpture.

Year 11:

Mock exam - Using a previous title such as “Structures” or “Gathering”

September to December 

In this project students will be given a brief with a selection of artists and techniques, they then pursue a personal project inspired by their artists’ work.  This 10 week project will end in a 10 hour practical mock exam, over 2 days.

Exam project (Component 2: Externally Set Assignment)

January to April

In this project students are given an externally set brief with a selection of artists and techniques. They then pursue a personal project inspired by their artists’ work.  This 10 week project will end in a 10 hour practical exam, over 2 days.

OTHER INFORMATION

Art GCSE can lead to many creative design careers in: 

Interior design, theatre design, architectural design, furniture design, fashion design, fashion journalism, art illustration work, editorial work in magazines, art marketing and creative events, advertising, theatre set and costume design, photography, film, packaging design, book cover illustration design, typographic and graphic design, marketing promotion material, web design.