Art

Exam Board: Edexcel

The GCSE art course is divided into two main components:

Personal Portfolio (60%)

You will be given a theme to explore and will be required to use at least two of the following media to undertake this task:

• Fine Art
• Graphic Communication
• Textile Design
• Three-dimensional Design
• Photography

Your completed portfolio will consist of a varied body of work, including (but not exclusive to) observational studies, experimental work in a range of media, studies of artists and designers, work in the style of these artists and a final piece.

Externally-Set Assignment (40%)

The exam paper for the Externally-Set Assignment will be released in January of Year 11. You will have a choice of themes as listed on the exam paper, and can explore your chosen theme in at least one of the following media:

• Fine Art
• Graphic Communication
• Textile Design
• Three-dimensional Design
• Photography

After you have created a body of preparatory work on your chosen theme you will be prepared to sit your 10-hour exam. In this exam you will complete a ‘final piece’ of your own design, which you will have prepared for prior to the exam.

In each of these components you will be required to meet the following assessment objectives:

• AO1: Develop ideas through investigations, demonstrating critical understanding of sources.
• AO2: Refine work by exploring ideas, selecting and experimenting with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.
• AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions as work progresses.
• AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and demonstrates understanding of visual language.

Assessment

Personal Portfolio: 60% weighting of the overall grade

Externally-Set Assignment: 40% weighting of the overall grade. This includes a 10-hour exam at the end of the course, taking place over two full days.