Art & Design (Fine Art)
Examining Board
Edexcel
Course Introduction
Fine Art is an exciting three year course that allows students to develop their creativity, individuality and visual skills. Art & Design is aimed at anyone who has a passion for the subject; who is interested in being creative, and who is willing to experiment with different approaches.
Creative ideas are explored through the medium of photography, painting, mixed media and 3D work where a flexible and individual approach is encouraged. Students will research and investigate a theme from which they will develop personal and creative responses. Inspiration is taken from other artists and designers, which is enhanced by many extra-curricular gallery trips.
Working from a theme, structured workshops will guide students and build their confidence in the first two years, which then broadens out to allow for their own individual response in Years 10 and 11.
GCSE Fine Art is a coursework subject that enables students to fulfil their potential and is highly rewarding. Students will be expected to plan and develop work beyond lesson time and supported study is offered most evenings.
Assessments
Coursework sketchbooks and final outcomes (60% of overall marks)
Externally set assignment (40% of overall marks)
Progression
From GCSE, students can continue to A Level specialism in Textiles, Photography or Fine Art. There are many career opportunities that lead from this and many students go on to have successful careers in Art & Design, for example as an Architect, Animator, Costume Designer, Graphic Designer, Web Designer, Art Editor, Fine Artist, Curator, Florist, Illustrator, Product Designer, Set Designer, Furniture Maker and many more.
Course Content
Unit 1: Coursework (60% of overall marks)
In Years 10 and 11, students will complete two or three thematic coursework projects, responding individually to a given theme. They will be given guidance on how to structure their projects to meet the assessment objectives, which are based on four categories:
- AO1 Recording and Investigating: drawing and taking photos from observation
- AO2 Using your knowledge and understanding of artists’ work for inspiration to develop ideas
- AO3 Experimentation; developing and refining ideas using a wide variety of materials
- AO4 Producing final outcomes that draw together the different aspects of research
Unit 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of overall marks)
Working to the same assessment objectives students will respond to a theme given by the exam board, which is issued in January of Year 11, before completing a final piece over 10 hours (two days) in May.
Contact Name
Mrs H Roberts – Head of Art
