Art – KS4

Course name: Art and Design

Examination Board and syllabus no:

EDEXCEL – 2AD01

Course Outline

The Art and Design course at Key Stage Four is an unendorsed option allowing students more opportunity to use a wider range of materials and greater scope to choose the areas they want to work in. The Art GCSE course offers students the means to develop knowledge, skills and understanding learnt at Key Stage Three, whilst preparing students for A Level. The first year will give a foundation in the various skills and place emphasis on investigation, analysis, and experimentation. The syllabus gives a weighting of 60% to coursework and 40% to the exam unit. All work is presented as an exhibition at the end of course.

The coursework is made up of a series of projects such as ‘Natural Forms’ and the ‘Still Life’. Students are expected to document their ideas, experiments and artist research in their sketchbooks paying

Attention to presentation, as well as producing larger pieces to add to their portfolios. All coursework projects are very structured to help students feel supported whilst providing them with plenty of opportunities to make the most of their creativity.

The exam unit is undertaken at the end of Year 11 and is a project set by the examination board taking the form of a broad theme such as ‘I, Me, Mine’, ‘Change’ and ‘Journeys’. The externally set paper will also contain some suggestions for possible starting points, direction and areas of study.

Students will have eight weeks in which to prepare for the timed test. During this time students should explore the theme looking at a range of starting points recording all research, development and experimentation in a sketchbook focusing on their chosen specialism. At the end of this period students will sit a ten hour timed examination to create a final piece.

Portfolios are marked and regularly monitored by teaching staff, making sure students show evidence

of the four assessment objectives:

AO1   Collecting, recording and presenting

AO2   Responding and commenting on artists’ work

AO3   Exploring, experimenting and refining ideas

AO4   Presenting a personal response explaining links to artists’ work

Assessment

60% to coursework and 40% to the exam unit. All work is presented as an exhibition at the end of course. The Ten hour exam is based on 8 weeks of preparation on a theme set by the exam board.

Homework

Homework supports the class work themes and is an opportunity for independent research.

Equipment required

Basic art materials at home are very helpful in completing the homework elements.

Useful publications/websites

The Tate Gallery and EDEXCEL produce useful information that is helpful to the students

Supporting your child’s progress

Parents can support their child’s progress by encouraging them to go to the Art galleries independently of those trips which are organised by the department.