GCSE Art and Design: Fine Art

Why choose this subject?

If you are considering studying a Level 3 Art and Design course at College or 6th Form.

Choose this subject if you are passionate about drawing and creating work in a range of styles and materials. If you are interested in developing your skills in painting, drawing, ceramics and mixed media and learning how artists use visual language to explore and express emotions and meanings - then this is the option for you! 

You need to be able to draw accurately and be prepared to explore different ways of working that may challenge you.

Course content

Unit 1: Portfolio - worth 60% of your final grade, a big folder of work produced in Yr10 and 11

Unit 2: Exam (10 hours) - worth 40% of your final grade, completed in Yr11

You will begin by studying the formal elements of art through written and practical tasks. These are the building blocks of creative work and include: colour, line, tone, shape, composition etc. 

You will analyse a wide range of artwork and gain an understanding of how artists and designers use visual language to convey ideas, emotions and meaning.

You will complete practical and written work using a range of materials and techniques, which will include: drawing, printmaking, painting, ceramics and mixed media.

As your skills and knowledge increase you will independently research, experiment, record and produce final outcomes to your own chosen themes.

Possible careers

Artist •Illustrator •Fashion design • Graphic design • Theatre designer • Animator • Video game designer • Museum curator • Photographer • Architecture • Product design • Textiles design • Ceramics • Advertising • Publishing • Interior design • Fashion and media journalism • Hair and make-up design • Retail design • Exhibition design • Jewellery design • Visual media • Teaching

If you have any questions about GCSE Art and Design, please contact Ms Reason, Director of Art.