Examination Board: AQA

Fine Art GCSE is focused primarily on traditional drawing and oil painting skills which students acquire and develop over the course of the year. Students are also encouraged to experiment with a wide range of different approaches and media as they progress throughout the course.

The course consists of two modules. The first is a coursework module, subdivided into two units and centred on themes chosen by the tutor. Recent themes have included ‘Identity’, ‘The City’ and ‘Portraiture’. The teaching emphasis is on investigation and the development of ideas relating to the theme resulting in a clear outcome or conclusion. Students experiment with different processes as they tackle the theme and document and evaluate their work as it progresses towards a final piece of work.

Halfway through the Spring Term students begin the second examination module. This has an externally set theme chosen by the examination board. Students are given an eight week preparatory period followed by a ten hour examination which takes place in several sittings.

The theme varies from year to year. For 2005 the theme was ‘Overhead and Underneath.’

Art historical and critical studies also form an integral part of the course and students are required to look at the work of artists from a wide range of historical periods and cultural backgrounds. The purpose of student research is to provide a context for their own work. Students are also invited to visit museums and galleries during study trips to appropriate exhibitions.

FINAL EXAMINATION
PAPER 1 _ Coursework (60%)
PAPER 2 _ Timed Examination (40%)