If you have a keen interest and enthusiasm for Art in the disciplines of painting, drawing, printmaking, 3D ceramics, mixed media and lens-based image making, you should consider this creative option. You will be able to experiment with ideas and techniques in at least one of the above areas of study.

You will be making Art via projects that involve both traditional and experimental exploration of materials and concepts. The challenge set by the Art GCSE course requires the students to develop key skills such as creativity, imagination, problem solving, culture awareness, communication and knowledge.

                                  Personal Portfolio in Art & Design           Externally Set Assignment in Art &

                                                                                                         Design

Unit 1: Your Personal Portfolio (or coursework) is internally set and marked; it will be assessed through controlled assessment (worth 60% of the qualification) and is to be completed by January of Year 11.

Unit 2:  Your Externally Set Assignment (or exam) is an externally set theme and internally marked (worth 40% of the qualification).

Your work will be marked in relation to the 4 assessment objectives:  develop ideas, refine & experiment, record ideas and present a personal response. Both units are internally marked but externally moderated by the exam board.

You will explore ideas and concepts behind the work that you will produce when specialising in drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramic, textile and digital photography/Photoshop.

You will have the opportunity to visit galleries, and attend exhibitions and workshops. This will enable you to learn from the work of others and make connections with your own work and past/contemporary practices.

Studying will help you to develop the key skills employers are looking for…   Whilst GCSE Art provides a worthwhile educational experience in itself, it also equips students with the tools to tackle and solve problems, to think critically and confidently, to express opinions - all attributes that a UK employer is looking for.

It also provides the opening for further study in the subject. You can continue onto A Level and then onto a number of degree courses such as architecture, advertising and the media. Remember:

 “…The creative industries are the capital’s second largest sector and contribute around £20 billion to the economy and employ nearly 400 thousand people….”