Art and Design - Fine Art(AQA)

What type of student should study this course?

Students wishing to study a subject that encourages self-expression and creativity and build selfconfidence as well as a sense of individual identity.

Students wishing to be creative - as this can help with wellbeing and improve health and happiness, and can act as an outlet for releasing the pressures of studying as well as those of everyday life.

Students wishing to develop their critical thinking and ability to interpret the world around them.

What does the course cover?

Students will be expected to develop ideas for their work by drawing from direct experience and their own imagination and by referring to the work of other artists and designers. They will also explore using a variety of media and are expected to refine and modify their ideas in order to produce outcomes which are highly individual and which show the students’ skills to their advantage

The course encourages students to use a variety of media including drawing, painting, printing, photography, working in 3D and other fine art practices, so that they have a broad range of skills to show off and select from when producing their portfolios of evidence

What skills do you develop as part of this course?

The aim of the AQA Art and Design course is to develop visual perception and understanding including the creative, imaginative and practical skills for working in Art, Craft and Design and to develop an appreciation for the diverse richness of our cultural artistic heritage through practical and critical responses It is an exciting time for students to be able to develop independence in their creative studies; they are given opportunities to explore art works at first hand and to experiment with developing and recording their own personal artistic styles.

Assessment Structure and components?

Unit 1 - Portfolio of work - 60% - This is based on work created during the whole of Year 10 and the Michaelmas term of Year 11. Typically it consists of two larger projects, one chosen and directed by the teacher, and one self-directed and supported by the teacher.

Unit 2 - Externally set task - 40% - From seven exciting starting points on which to base this work, students select one topic only. The work on this section will begin between January and February of Year 11, and continues until the examination date in April/May.

Towards the end of the examination period, students will undertake a 10-hour, practical, unaided examination based on a study of their chosen topic This is marked by the school and then moderated, at the school, by a member of the examination board.

Next Steps with this GCSE?

This course is an excellent foundation for studying Art & Design at A Level. Studying Art and Design helps to create a broad and balanced curriculum, which is an excellent foundation for whatever you want to do afterwards. The transferable skills you will acquire, such as creativity, analysis and problem solving, complement a range of other subjects and careers.