Art

Why study Art? 

The GCSE Art course teaches you how the creative process works. The leading people in any professional field are those who can think creatively and innovatively. Making and participating in the arts aids the development of these skills. Studying art at GCSE will help you develop not only excellent practical knowledge, but critical thinking skills and cultural awareness, as well as the ability to express your ideas. The course is popular and enjoyable and contributes to a well rounded education at GCSE. Across the 2-year course, you will have the opportunity to visit multiple galleries and exhibition spaces such as Yorkshire sculpture park and the Ashmolean in Oxford. The LHS art studios are open for you to work in after school twice a week until 17:00 to aid in the completion of practical work. 

What does the course involve? 

Art is hands-on and largely practical and comprises almost entirely of extended portfolio project work. The emphasis is on developing skills involved in making art, but integral to this is art criticism and theory. The course involves art history and research and development skills from early on. There is a strong emphasis on drawing as well as a wide range of techniques in both 2D and 3D media including digital. Written annotation to accompany practical work is a requirement. The course encourages you to think for yourself, to be open-minded and have the ability to express opinions with confidence. It is important that you apply yourself from the outset and manage your time carefully. 

How is the course assessed? 

The course comprises of two main parts. Most of what you produce contributes towards your final grade.  

60% coursework – Component 1 personal portfolio consists of two projects spanning Year 10 and 11. Year 10 focuses on historical vs modern art. In Year 11 pupils negotiate their own subject matter with their teacher. This allows for a more personal area of study.  

40% Externally set assignment (ESA) – Component 2 portfolio. The practical exam is carried out at the end of Year 11. The ESA theme is set by the examining board, and pupils develop a 10-week project in response. The final stage of this project is a 10-hour practical which takes place under controlled conditions, unaided. 

What can a GCSE in Art lead to?  

The creative industries are among the fastest growing in the UK. GCSE Art is useful to consider if you wish to pursue a career in architecture, media, engineering, business and all areas of design. It is by no means only for those who wish to work in creative industries. Many employers are seeking the skills you will develop on the course, and a wide range of firms see the qualification as a way to foster innovation in employees. Art complements a very wide range of career paths. 

What skills does the Art course develop?

The course provides you with a wide range of transferable skills including: 

• Theoretical – Understanding of aesthetics and Art History.  

• Practical knowledge – Traditional Fine Art processes like drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture and lens based.  

• Non-routine problem-solving – Expert thinking, metacognition, creativity. 

• Systems Thinking – decision making and reasoning.  

• Critical thinking – General cognitive skills such as analysing, synthesising and reasoning skills.  

• Communication – Active listening, oral communication, written communication, assertive communication and non-verbal communication.  

• Adaptability and resilience – Ability and willingness to cope with the uncertain. 
• Self-management, self-development and self-discipline – Ability to be self-motivating and self-monitoring.