Art and Design

IGCSE Global Perspectives Board: Cambridge Specification: 0457 Why study IGCSE Global Perspectives?

In this course students think critically about stimulating topics of global significance. They learn to consider different perspectives from a personal, national and international point of view. Through collaboration with other students, IGCSE candidates explore different cultural perspectives and also analyse information critically to find solutions. Moreover, pupils learn to develop an independence of thought by completing an individual report on a global topic of their choice.

Important information

This course is two thirds coursework and one third written exam. The coursework elements involve considerable freedom of choice, making this a good course for students who enjoy having autonomy over their learning. Most aspects of the course involve internet research and laptops are an everyday tool during lessons.

Entry requirements

Students who take this IGCSE will be interested in the course because of its international focus. The IGCSE Global Perspectives course may also be suited to pupils who enjoy Humanities but wish to complete a course with a lower weighting in terms of written examinations. It is a course that suits independent thinkers – there is plenty of discussion on offer on the main issues facing the world today. Independent learning skills are also beneficial, but these will also be developed during the course.

Course Overview and Content

Course outline 1 - A written examination – 70 marks, 1 hour 15 minutes – worth 35% of the course mark

Students will need to answer four compulsory questions based on source material, using their analysis and evaluation skills. The source material will present claims, arguments and evidence from different perspectives on a global issue drawn from the following topics: Demographic change Education for all Employment Fuel and energy Globalisation Law and criminality Migration Transport systems

Students will need to complete a report of between 1500-2000 words in order to answer a ‘Global Question’ they have developed from a topic chosen from the following:

In doing so, they will need to examine both the causes and consequences of the issues raised, but also evaluate possible courses of action to solve them.

Belief systems Biodiversity and ecosystem loss Changing communities Digital world

Conflict and peace Disease and health Human rights Language and communication Family Humans and other species Sustainable living Trade and aid

3 - A Team Project – 70 marks – 35% of the course mark

Students work in teams to undertake a project. There is a lot of freedom given to students to choose what type of project they wish to undertake; it must allow for the exploration of different cultural perspectives. The Team Project comprises two elements: Team Element (the project itself and its development) and Personal Element (Reflective Paper) which allows the candidates to evaluate the success of the project and their role in it.

The project will consider differing cultural perspectives in one of the following broad topics:

Poverty and inequality Sport and recreation Tradition, culture and identity Water, food and agriculture

Enrichment

The group project aspect of this course has sometimes resulted in students organising special events in school, such as running stalls at lunchtime to raise awareness of and celebrate cultural diversity, hosting charity events, conducting live online interviews with people from WaterAid and delivering a lesson to the younger students on Human Rights.

Future pathways

Beyond GCSE

This course teaches a lot of independent research skills, such as how to use search engines effectively; how to collect and organise research data; identify fact, opinion, bias and vested interest in a source; how to avoid plagiarism; how to create and format footnote references and bibliographies; how to develop and format a written report. All these skills have a valuable and wide application in other subjects and in the adult world. The course is particularly suitable for students who enjoy the Social Sciences and may one day wish to study towards a degree such as Sociology.

3 3

Art and Design Board: AQA Specification: 8201(Art, Craft and Design)

Entry requirements

Why study GCSE Art and Design?

This popular and successful GCSE course encourages you to be adventurous and enquiring in your approach to Art and Design, to understand the past, examine the present and look to ways of developing the future. The courses will introduce you to exciting practical skills and encourage you to enjoy studying Art in all its various contexts. Observational skills remain a key discipline in this course.

The department staff will be only too pleased to discuss your future plans. If you wish to have a tour around the department then please contact us to arrange a time.

Important information

Students who study Art at GCSE will have shown commitment to their study of the subject at key stage 3 and in particular at year 9.They will have shown this by handing in homework on time and to a high standard and setting a good example in classwork and discussions. They will be aware that producing work to a high standard can take time and it is imperative therefore, that homework is completed as it is set and by its due date. Above all, students who study art will have a genuine interest in art and researching their topics; they will enjoy experimenting with different techniques and processes and not be afraid to get things wrong as this can often be when you are most creative.

Course Overview and Content

The syllabus is based on the relationship between the fundamental elements of line, tone, form, colour, texture and pattern and creative practices, such as drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, sculpture and photography. These are studied in various ways using observation, visual research, exploration, problem solving, analysis and discussion expressed in terms of sketchbooks, individual studies and final pieces.

This course will allow you to experiment with a varied range of ideas, materials and techniques in order to further your own creative journey. The course has been developed in order to maximise your personal creative potential and you will have great fun and satisfaction in exploring a wide range of materials, practices and experiences.