ART

Edexcel GCSE Art and Design is studied at KS4. The course is 60% coursework and 40% exam. During KS4, students prepare a personal portfolio. 

Skills learned at KS3 are refined, and the use of new media, techniques and processes broadens student’s skillset. There is a greater emphasis on personalised learning and students are encouraged to be independent in formulating their own line of enquiry. At this point many students draw on their own identity and life experience to inspire their personal responses. Themes of study reflect a more mature and personal approach where pupils are encouraged to express themselves freely and to be confident about doing this. Pupils are taught to develop their creativity and ideas and increase proficiency in their execution. They should develop a critical understanding of artists, and designers, expressing reasoned judgements that can inform their own work.

The skills developed at GCSE are as follows:

• To use a range of techniques to record their observations in sketchbooks, journals and other media as a basis for exploring their ideas;
• To become confident using a wide range of techniques and media;
• To increase their proficiency in the handling of different materials;
• To analyse and evaluate their own work, and that of others, to strengthen the visual impact or applications of their work;
• To understand about the history of art, craft, design including periods, styles and major movements from ancient times up to the present day.