Year 9 Options

Studying GCSE Fine Art:

This course allows you to explore and experiment with a wide range of Fine Art techniques and media.

You will be given two project themes over the two years that you will have to produce a sketchbook and final piece for. During the course you will be shown how to use printing techniques, paint, pastels, sculptural materials, photography and digital media. You will then be able to choose which media or combination of media you use to produce your final pieces.

All of the work you produce for these projects will be submitted in a portfolio which will get you 60% of your overall marks. In addition to this portfolio you are also given a selection of questions/ themes that have been written by the examination board. You will have a set number of weeks to produce a sketchbook based on your chosen question/ theme and then a ten hour examination during which you will have to make the final piece. The examination unit will make up the other 40% of your overall grade.

How the course is assessed

Unit 1: Portfolio

Unit 2: Externally Set Task

All of the work you produce for these projects will be submitted in a portfolio which will get you 60% of your overall marks. In addition to this portfolio you are also given a selection of questions/ themes that have been written by the examination board. You will have a set number of weeks to produce a sketchbook based on your chosen question/ theme and then a ten hour examination during which you will have to make the final piece. The examination unit will make up the other 40% of your overall grade.

All projects and exam will be assessed in April/May of your final year and a grade will be awarded.

Please note: Students will need to purchase a sketchbook and equipment for the course. Details of which will be provided nearer the time.

Personal Qualities required to study GCSE Fine Art:

The emphasis is on developing knowledge and understanding of art, as well as a range of artistic and craft skills. It is a suitable course of study for those students who have an interest and enthusiasm for creative studies in art, craft and design and those who have a flair for developing and exploring ideas.

DRAWING IS AN ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT AND PUPILS MUST HAVE THE SKILLS ALREADY DEVELOPED WHICH CAN THEN BE PROGRESSED AND IMPROVED.

By achieving a GCSE in Fine Art could lead to:

The qualifications will allow you to go on and study an art based course at Post 16 but it will also help you enhance your research skills, analytical skills, independent and creative thinking skills and time management skills – all of which are very useful whatever courses you go on to study.

More information
Any parents or students who would like more information about the course should contact Mrs Brecken who will be happy to answer any questions.