GCSE Art

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GCSE Art at Kimbolton

At Kimbolton we are fortunate to have four well-equipped art studios, with a kiln, an AO size etching press, and a photography and PC suite.

This allows all our GCSE pupils to work across disciplines as diverse as ceramics, printmaking, painting and photography.

About the course

The GCSE course is designed to inspire, challenge and motivate. You will initially explore a variety of media, techniques, and starting points such as still life, portraiture, and landscape. You will be encouraged to develop your knowledge and understanding of art history through written analysis and copying artists’ pieces. The next step is to explore, create and communicate your own ideas within your own art works; these smaller projects will form your first piece of coursework.

AQA Art and Design Syllabus

Assessment

During the Spring term of the Fourth Form, you will begin to work on a second major coursework project. Individuality and independence are called for at this point, as you should now be driving your own learning. A good quality project will consist of several sketchbooks of preparation work and experimentation, as well as a large final piece of artwork, completed by December of the Fifth Form.

The Externally Assessed Assignment is started in mid-January. You will rise to the challenge of creating an original outcome from one of the six stimuli provided. This project culminates in a 10-hour practical exam, taken in May.

60% coursework portfolio
40% externally set assignment

Beyond the classroom

Art department open on Saturday mornings for extended independent work
‘Raise a Grade’ sessions after school and near to deadlines
After school clubs including: Open Art, Set Design club and Ceramics club.
Competitions: Cambridgeshire Young Artists Competition and The Royal Academy Summer Show

“The creative industries employ over 2 million people in the UK and are projected to create an additional one million jobs by 2030.”

Creative Industries Federation

Skills you will develop…..

Improved drawing and compositional skills
More understanding of artists and art history.
Creative thinking and problem solving.

“Art gives you the opportunity for independent thinking and creativity and gives you a chance to do something completely different to your other subjects. Art also helps me to express my thoughts and feelings in a way that I can’t in my other lessons.”