Art and Design Department – GCSE

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Course Outline

Year 10	Year 11
Autumn Term • Introduction to course • Short tasks • Begin sketchbooks • First part of coursework portfolio on broad theme • First hand research – observational work and photos as appropriate • Annotation and evaluation • Workshops using media • Introduction to ICT in Art • Study of other artists work	Autumn Term • Develop and complete coursework portfolio • Complete outcomes • Present and evaluate work from portfolio
Spring Term • Complete first part of coursework portfolio • Choose own area of interest to develop • Ideas, research, annotation • Develop ideas • Artist research	Spring Term • Begin preparation for external assignment (practical exam) • Complete final outcomes and preparatory work for assignment • Final amendments and presentation, evaluation of all work • Internal marking • External moderation of work by visiting moderator
Summer Term • Continue to develop own ideas • Use variety of media • Annotate and develop work • Review Year 10 work • Year 10 exam	Summer Term

Homework

Frequency

Students are given weekly or fortnightly homework for the first part of the course. Students are then encouraged to take parts of their coursework home, and to get into a routine of regularly working on this at home in between lessons. To achieve a high grade in this subject, students must work in between lessons on their coursework and exam preparation work. Students are also offered after school sessions, and some students work during lunchtimes also.

Likely form that homework will take

For the first part of the course, students will be given drawing, research and written tasks to help build up their coursework. Later, they will be finishing off work in sketchbooks, written work, drawings, paintings, artists’ research and designing, as appropriate to their chosen coursework.

Student Grouping

Students are taught in mixed ability groups within the subject options. Classes generally range in size from 15-25 students.

Assessment Pattern

The initial homework tasks in Year 10 are marked regularly. Students are assessed informally during the lessons, in order to identify areas to work on, and how to make progress. Coursework is then marked as an interim assessment once every half term, so that students have feedback on the work required and areas to address. Coursework is also marked using the actual GCSE marksheets once or twice a year, in order to accurately assess current grades, and to set realistic and challenging GCSE grades.

Recommended wider reading (and viewing)

Any visits to exhibitions or displays encourage and improve students’ awareness of visual culture, and of other artists work. We would encourage students to draw, design, take part in craft or photography based interests outside school where possible. Any artist, style or general Art History based books are worth looking at to help with inspiration. The school library is now building up a good collection, and some books are available in the department.

How can you help your child?

Encouragement is important as many students lack in confidence, and also helping them to work on their coursework regularly. It helps students just to have a few basic materials for homework. We can materials in school if you wish. Access to a camera, even a basic one, is useful to help students record research for their work.

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