GCSE Art

The Art syllabus encourages students to actively engage with the creative processes of art and helps them to become reflective thinkers with enquiring minds who are independent learners in their study of art. The course develops their creative, imaginative and intuitive capabilities when exploring, creating and producing their images, artefacts and products. Students become confident in taking risks, learning from their experiences through exploring and experimenting with ideas, processes, materials and techniques. They build a critical understanding through their chosen area(s) of study, using personal interpretation, considered selection of sources and independent judgements to undertake an active investigation process.

Students develop and refine their own ideas, supported by an understanding of their context and what has informed them. Students work through purposeful engagement with an appropriate range of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies with the purpose and intent to impact on the progress of work. They also look at other artists to develop knowledge and understanding of art in historical and contemporary contexts and in societies and cultures appropriate to their chosen area(s) of study. As they progress they develop through the course of study, an awareness of the different work practices and roles of the creative and cultural industries in the production of art and show an understanding of the purpose, intentions and functions of art. They also learn to acknowledge their influences through creating a portfolio and a bibliography of books, journals and websites used.

You will gain a very good idea about your own artistic abilities and interests and will be encouraged to express yourself in a variety of ways. You will be helped to build up your skills and will be allowed to define your own projects and approaches with your tutor acting as a critical supporter and guide. You will also learn about other artistic journeys and recognise how different genres developed in the past.

Exam Board: OCR

You need an interest in art and some basic artistic skills. You will be taught how to develop these skills and how to display your work but it is useful to feel confident in the practice of art if you are going to make sustained progress.

All students studying the GCSE programme are required to have an English language level of IELTS 5.0 or equivalent.

Is Art harder than other subjects?

No. However producing each piece of art can be a slow and intensive process so it can take up more time than other subjects.