Edexcel Fine Art Specification
The pupils study a Fine Art GCSE course. This allows pupils to experiment with a variety of fine art media, techniques and processes, including both traditional and new technologies. GCSE artists have the option to work in one or more areas of Fine Art such as painting and drawing, mixed media, sculpture, Land art, installation, printmaking and lens-based media.
The course is split into two areas of assessment. The first unit is a portfolio of work that is worth 60% of the overall grade and the remaining marks are Unit 2 which is an externally set task, which is set early in January in Year 11. The deadline for both units to be completed is the beginning of May in Year 11.
The course allows the pupils to extend their skills and understanding in the subject and there is an opportunity to use a wide range of materials and techniques. The pupils learn how to work independently, through their developmental work as we want them to be able to work flexibly within a broad range of possible solutions. The pupils need to develop self-reliance by experience in problem-solving and decision making. It is also important that they are able to sustain creative ideas.
The pupils will work on three main coursework projects. The first project in Year 10 is structured by the teaching staff as an introduction to the requirements of the course. Pupils have a chance to experiment with a wide range of concepts, materials and techniques, there is support putting together a sketchbook and they are shown approaches to researching relevant artists.
The final project that is undertaken as part of the GCSE coursework portfolio is a mock exam project, which is set up to give the pupils an idea of the way to approach the externally set task.The deadline for all portfolio units to be completed is May 1st of Year 11.
The externally set task is set by the exam board from January 1st for the pupils’ of Year 11. There are a series of themes that are set as starting points by the exam board and pupils must select one to investigate and to develop to prepare to make a final piece. There is an unlimited preparation time followed by a ten hour exam where the pupils are expected to produce a personal outcome to their preparatory work. The ten hour exam will take place around Easter.
Pupils should make regular visits to London galleries as a way of supporting their own practice. The ability to evaluate and analyse the work of others is a very important part of the assessment.
Click on the bulb to download Edexcel Fine Art Specification
