Key Stage 4

Girls choose to study Art at Key Stage 4 if they ...

• enjoy the subject
• have an adventurous and enquiring mind
• are interested in the work of artists and craftspeople
• are interested in comparing and discussing your work with other students
• like experimenting with different materials
• are interested in a career in any of these areas:

What will students study?

This course builds on skills learned in Years 7-9 but there is a greater emphasis on individual work. students will be required to collect information and resources, study the work of artists from all cultures and times, to experiment with a wide range of materials and develop original ideas. Students will be visiting galleries and when possible working with visiting artists.

Course structure

Students will be required to complete 2 units of coursework each of which lasts for about 2 terms. These 2 units make up 60% of your final grade. The examination assignment consists of 8 weeks preparation and a timed test (all practical). This makes up the remaining 40% of a student's grade.

Homework

All GCSE students have to complete a sketchbook for each of their assignments which explains where their ideas have come from and the processes they have used. Most of the homeworks will be sketchbook work – expect to spend 1 hour per week.

Assessment

There are 2 papers: Paper 1 is coursework worth 60%. Paper 2 is a timed test. This takes the form of a broad theme such as “Journeys” or “Inside” set by the exam board. Students are given 8 weeks preparation time and then 10 hours under exam conditions to complete your work which is worth 40%.

Support Information

For further information please see the Art department or any Year 10 or 11 GCSE candidate.