OPTION SUBJECT CURRICULUM GUIDES

ART & DESIGN GCSE

Exam Board: AQA

Specification Code: 8201

Course Overview

This course aims to teach a broad range of Art & Design skills. It enables pupils to build creativity through learning and doing, to explore their imagination and to develop knowledge and understanding of media, materials and technologies. Pupils are required to work independently between lessons and research historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures.

Pupils must be enthusiastic about practising a variety of painting and drawing techniques. The ability to complete homework on time, draw from direct observation and write about the work is essential for success in this subject.

This broad course covers a wide range of disciplines in addition to fine-art. Pupils also explore 3D modelmaking, sculpture, textiles and ceramics.

This provides a strong foundation for progression into the Art and Design A-level courses. It also leads to career pathways such as Graphic Design, Fashion and Architecture.

Examination

Unit 1 Coursework (60%)

This unit has 3 projects, each in a separate A3 sketchbook. Typical topics are:

Natural Forms:

Pupils study/draw a wide range of natural forms from direct observation (such as shells, leaves, vegetables) and learn about formal elements such as Tone Texture and Colour. They use ceramics and other 3D techniques to develop personal responses. The work of different artists and designers is researched and analysed and all work is evaluated (written analysis). There is a strong emphasis on drawing from direct observation and learning different painting techniques.

Structures/The Human Figure:

Pupils learn 2D and 3D techniques (Painting, modelmaking, Ceramics and Mod-Roc) and develop a range of designs based on the work of painters, sculptors and architects.

Self-Image & Identity:

This is a Self-Portrait project which can include Photography, Animation, Installation work and/or Abstract outcomes (where identity is shown using non-representational sources such as objects, maps, etc.)

Mock Exam:

Pupils prepare a portfolio of sketches, paintings and 3D work based on any of the above topics. This unit has a similar structure to Unit 2, the external exam.

Unit 2 External Exam (40%)

This Exam project/sketchbook is similar to the Coursework but the themes are dictated by the exam board (There are 7 themes to choose from). Pupils spend their exam preparation period researching, painting, drawing and making 3D models in response to one of the topics. During the exam days (a total of 10 hours) they create a ‘final piece’ such as a painting or a sculpture. Unit 2 requires intensive and independent work.