GCSE Art and Design

This GCSE subject is divided into two components, Coursework which is awarded 60% of the marks, and the Controlled Test 40%.

All the work done during Years 10 and 11 is Coursework apart from the exam.   A number of projects using a variety of media including drawing, painting, observation work, 3 dimensional work, graphics and print-making will be undertaken.  Pupils must complete a ‘portfolio’ which may be one or more pieces of work.  Four areas are assessed covering media skills, use of imagination, researching, recording, analysing, selecting, planning, creating a range of ideas and understanding and incorporating the ideas of other Artists/Designers which make up the ‘portfolio’.  Pupils must be aware that more marks are awarded to the processes of making a piece of artwork than to the final piece.  ICT plays an important part in GCSE Art. The exam is a single project undertaken towards the end of Year 11.  The same four areas are assessed as in the Coursework. The Coursework and exam are marked in an exhibition put up by the pupils at the end of April in Year 11.

Approximately 100,000 people in the UK are employed in the design industry using qualifications gained in Art Education.  Many other types of creative work from hairdressing to engineering design require some form of art training.  25,000 people alone are employed in the North West of England in companies such as Video Game manufacturing, which is now a bigger industry than the music industry or the US film industry.

This subject leads to A level Art and Design or Graphics at ag6.