Art

Art: AQA Fine Art 8202

This course is a stimulating and rewarding subject for pupils who wish to receive a creative grounding within the discipline of Fine Art.

Pupils gain experience of both two and three-dimensional work within some of the following specialisms: painting, drawing and mixed media, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, textiles, computer manipulated imagery, film, animation, alongside digital and darkroom photography.

This specification gives teachers flexibility in supporting pupils, through creative activities and structured programmes of study, to make a personal response to their own experiences, environment and culture. Pupils will develop an understanding of the purpose, function and importance of art in society. As the course progresses, pupils are increasingly encouraged to make personal decisions and directions.

Art GCSE requires pupils to create a portfolio of work that includes one sustained project and a selection of further, experimental work. This unit is allocated 60% of the final mark, with the remaining 40% of marks allocated to the preparation and piece created under examination conditions. This project is called the Controlled Test.

Fine Art Aims

i) Develop and refine ideas and personal outcomes with increasing independence and confidence. ii) Work from first-hand sources using a range of media. iii) Become confident in taking risks and to learn from experience when exploring and experimenting with ideas, media, materials and techniques. iv) Review, modify and refine their work as it progresses and realise their intentions. v) Develop knowledge and understanding of art in historical and contemporary contexts, societies and cultures. vi) Investigate the work of relevant artists, making connections with their own work.

Assessment Pattern

Component 1 – Coursework Portfolio (No time limit, 60% of total marks): Coursework marked as a whole. Portfolios are to include both a sustained project and a selection of further work. This will give pupils the opportunity to experiment with a broad range of materials, expand their knowledge and artistic skills. There is no restriction on size, but at least two art specialisms are to be represented.

Component 2 – Externally Set Assignment (Preparation: between January and April of exam year, Finished Piece: 10 hours done under examination conditions, 40% of total marks): Through an externally set paper, pupils are required to demonstrate their ability to respond to one of a number of given starting points. A specified period will be allowed for the creation of preparatory work, followed by ten hours of supervised time for the completion of a resolved piece. This provides pupils with the opportunity to create work within their preferred media.

Both the Coursework and Controlled Test units are internally marked and externally moderated.