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The Art and Design department offer a GCSE full course, an Applied GCSE worth two GCSEs and a BTEC Introductory Diploma.

GCSE Full course

During this course students will learn the following areas:


  • You will learn how to develop art work using a range of media, following projects that will extend your understanding of Painting & Drawing; Graphics; Three Dimensional Studies and Printmaking
  • You will learn how to communicate your ideas visually, producing both preparatory work and final pieces
  • You will extend your understanding of the work of other artists, showing how it has influenced your own practical work

What skills do i need?

  • You will need to have achieved a strong Level 5 or above at the end of Key Stage 3.  On top of this all students are expected to be enthusiastic about the subject and dedicated.
  • A good level of observational drawing coupled with a willingness to experiment with materials and techniques and take on new ideas
  • Effective organisational skills because you will be expected to take responsibility for the development of projects in your own time. The ability to produce homework on a weekly basis is an essential requirement of the course
  • A determination to extend projects outside of lesson time, making use of Art Club sessions and extra-curricular opportunities

What is next for me?

The most obvious progression route would be to follow the GCE AS/A2 Art & Design course, with a grade C or above, or alternatively we offer the BTEC National Certificate/Diploma which are vocational courses equivalent to A-levels.  Both qualifications would allow you the opportunity to follow different university/college courses or lead to numerous career paths such as:

  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Fine Art
  • Illustration
  • Fashion Design
  • Computing: Web Design, Animation, Computer Game Design etc.

If you achieve below a Grade C at GCSE and would like to continue with your Art career, we also offer the BTEC First Certificate/Diploma at Post16.

BTEC First Diploma

If the course is completed it isthe equivalent of 4 GCSE grades.

  • You will explore visual language in Art, Design and Media, learning techniques and processes used in different vocational areas.
  • You will respond to set briefs and learn how to develop projects independently, that meets an alternative assessment procedure to GCSE.
  • You will learn how to communicate your ideas visually, producing both preparatory work and final pieces.
  • You will learn from practising artists and businesses working within the creative industry.

What skills do i need?

  • You will need to have achieved a strong Level 5 or above at the end of Key Stage 3.  On top of this all students are expected to be enthusiastic about the subject and dedicated.
  • An ability to explore and develop projects that are influenced by vocational practice in the Art, Design and Media industry, coupled with a willingness to take on new ideas.
  • Effective organisational skills, because you will be expected to take responsibility for the development of projects in your own time.  The ability to produce homework and meet specific deadlines will be paramount to the progress you make on the course.

What is next for me?

The full award is graded as a Pass, Merit or Distinction. If the full course is completed it is equivalent to 4 GCSE passes at a grade C and above, which would allow a smooth transition to the BTEC National Diploma at Post 16 which is equivalent to 2 A-Levels otherwise you would also be able to follow the more traditional AS/A2 Art & Design course.  There would also be the opportunity to follow different college courses or career paths such as:

  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Fine Art
  • Illustration
  • Fashion Design
  • Computing:  Web Design, Animation, Computer Game Design etc.


During the Autumn term of Year 11, all students entered for the examination will have a mock 'controlled test' lasting in total 10 hours, where the ability to develop ideas and work unaided is of great importance. This work, along with a selection of the best coursework, is mounted as a final exhibition. The actual exam controlled test takes place in the Spring Term and makes up 40% of the whole grade.

GCSE grades A* - G awarded for:

Coursework 40%
Controlled Test 60%


Mr Cox

For further information please contact Mr Cox, Head of Art.

The Art Department: Mr Cox, Miss Measures, Mr Poole, Mrs Ward, Mr Whitter

 
 
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