Key Stage 4 Art

Curriculum Content

Art

The course in Art and Design is broadly based and covers both practical and theoretical activities.
In Year 10 pupils will produce work in the following areas:

  1. Drawing from observation, imagination and memory.
  2. Painting
  3. Graphics
  4. Printing
  5. Ceramics

They will also learn how to develop their ideas into finished pieces through progressive stages.
In Year 11 the course will see a greater degree of specialisation, with pupils capitalising on their strengths and developing their work in an area of their choice.
All pupils are encouraged to develop their drawing skills throughout the course.

Teaching Methods

Pupils are taught in mixed ability groups. A mixture of whole class, small group and individual tuition is used. Much of the course involves pupils working from a variety of starting points.

Resources

For practical work pupils have access to a wide range of two and three-dimensional materials (pencils, crayons, pastels, paints, clay, wire, plaster, printmaking equipment, digital camera, computer and scanner). A wide range of Fine Art postcards, books, posters and audio-visual materials are available to support their studies.

Skills and Knowledge

The course provides opportunities for personal expression, encourages imagination, sensitivity, conceptual thinking, powers of observation, analytical and practical skills. Through the individual development of practical skills, supported by theoretical studies, the course should lead to a fuller understanding of the part played by art, craft, architecture and design in our own and other cultures.
The course also aims to foster the individual's special aptitudes and interests, confidence, enthusiasm and sense of achievement.

Assessment

Pupils are entered for the AQA examination. Coursework is assessed according to the relevant assessment objectives laid down in the GCSE syllabus. Each piece of work is marked for "process" and tangible outcome.

The scheme of assessment comprises:

  1. A controlled test lasting 10 hours (4 weeks of preparation).
  2. Coursework (a minimum of 2 major projects from 2 areas of study).

It is an examination requirement that both elements are presented for assessment and the work of each candidate will be displayed and assessed as a whole. The controlled test will carry 40%, and the coursework 60% of the marks.