Alternative pathways at GCSE

At GCSE the Art department offers 2 different Art courses; GCSE Art and Design and GCSE Three dimensional design. Students that chose to study Art at GCSE undertake a foundation course in year 9 that focuses on building knowledge, creative skills and understanding in preparation for GCSE. GCSE coursework and exams are undertaken in years 10 and 11.

GCSE ART AND DESIGN PROJECTS

Year 10 Project 1: Natural Forms

The first project at GCSE encourages pupils to focus on developing and refining the quality of their observational drawing through exploration of the theme ‘natural forms’. Pupils explore how a range of 2D and 3D artists use natural forms as a source of inspiration. Pupils learn how to utilise contextual links to inform the development of work in a range of media.

The first phase of the project also encourages students to work from a range of primary and secondary sources and develop their skills when working within a sketchbook. Pupils also extend their ability to work within a range of tonal colour media including pastels, pencils and paint.

Pupils base the developmental work in print and clay on their initial observational work and learn how to use observational drawing as a starting point for developing ideas in different media.

During the second phase of the project pupils explore ‘design for print techniques’ in preparation for lino printing. Pupils investigate a range of contemporary print makers and cultural links to enrich and extend their ideas. Pupils also explore how traditional cultures have been inspired by natural forms and use this to develop their ideas with ceramic media and materials.

Year 10 Project 2: Cubism

The second project at GCSE explores the ideas, principles, techniques and subject matter of Cubism. Pupils focus on developing an understanding of composition elements, refining observational drawing skills and using these as platform to explore Cubist techniques and processes.

Pupils explore Cubist artists in depth, focusing on developing fragmentation techniques, media exploration, and an appreciation of Analytical and Synthetic Cubism to inform the development of their own ideas.

This project is enriched through a visit to the Tate gallery where students can gain an experience of engaging with real artworks in a gallery, using this opportunity to discover new artists and exhibitions.

Pupils are encouraged to explore a variety of painting media including water colour, oils and acrylics to extend their understanding. Pupils also explore mixed media techniques making links to a wide range of artists.

YEAR 11 Mock exam project: 3D design

In year 11 pupils revisit the theme of natural forms with a focus on exploring how traditional cultures have explored the theme through both 2 and 3 dimensional works of art. Pupils investigate the principles of three dimensional designs in preparation for designing and making a teapot, functional or decorative vessel.

Pupils explore how traditional cultures have depicted natural forms through a visit to the Fitzwilliam museum and the Archeology and Anthropology museum. Students are encouraged to sketch from life in order to develop an appreciation of three dimensional objects.

In year 11 pupils also focus on selecting and developing their best work for their GCSE portfolio submission, this period of time provides pupils with the opportunity to refine and develop work undertaken during their GCSE course.

In year 11 pupils also undertake their final GCSE examination; this begins with a period of research and investigation into a question or starting point set by the exam board in January. After the initial lead in period pupils undertake their final practical examinations in March.

GCSE THREE DIMENSIONAL DESIGN PROJECTS

Year 10: project 1 African inspired ceramics

The first three dimensional design project in year 10 begins with a focus on developing the quality of observational students drawing. Critical and contextual links to African ceramics, patterns inform the development of work from design ideas into 3D. Students explore how to successfully work with a variety of ceramic media and materials making explicit links to 3D artists that inform entire project.

During the making process pupils learn how to construct using pinching, forming and modeling techniques to create African inspired clay pots. They also experiment with a range of decorative techniques including glazing.

Year 10: project 2 Form and Fragmentation

The beginning of the second project focuses on developing pupils understanding of fragmentation of the 3D form within the context of Cubism and constructivism. Pupils learn about the ideas and principles behind these Art movements and how these ideas can be explored within the context of three dimensional designs. There is also a focus on developing and refining students observational and drawing and design skills leading up to the 3D work.

Pupils explore relevant artists in depth, focusing on developing fragmentation techniques, media exploration, and an appreciation of Analytical and Synthetic Cubism to inform the development of their own ideas within three dimensional media.This project is enriched through a visit to the Tate gallery where students can gain an experience of engaging with real artworks in a gallery, using this opportunity to discover new artists and exhibitions.

YEAR 11 Mock exam project: 3D design

In year 11 pupils revisit the theme of natural forms with a focus on exploring how traditional cultures have explored the theme through both 2 and 3 dimensional works of art. Pupils investigate the principles of three dimensional designs in preparation for designing and making a teapot.

Pupils explore how traditional cultures have depicted natural forms through a visit to the Fitzwilliam museum and the Archeology and Anthropology museum. Students are encouraged to sketch from life in order to develop an appreciation of three dimensional objects.

In year 11 pupils also focus on selecting and developing their best work for their GCSE portfolio submission, this period of time provides pupils with the opportunity to refine and develop work undertaken during their GCSE course.

In year 11 pupils also undertake their final GCSE examination; this begins with a period of research and investigation into a question or starting point set by the exam board in January. After the initial lead in period pupils undertake their final practical examinations in March.