choosing your subjects
Why Study Art and design?
The aims of the course are to encourage personal, creative and imaginative approaches to Art and Design. The course has a two-unit structure, allowing the pupils to follow a broad and flexible path with their work. Pupils are encouraged to work with both traditional and new media, therefore preparing them for higher levels of study in other Art and Design qualifications.
If you enjoy being creative, want to increase your practical skills and improve your analytical, communication and research abilities, art and design is a great choice. The skills you gain make it a great complement to other subjects. Art and design is a way of seeing things and making sense of the world around you. It can help you with further study and prepare you for the world of work.
Frequently Asked Questions about art and design
What will I learn?
Alongside improving your practical expertise, you’ll learn how to:
- develop, refine and record your ideas
- present a personal response that realises your intentions
- improve your creative skills through the effective and safe use of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies
- successfully use visual language and the formal elements e.g. colour, line, form, shape, tone, texture
- use drawing skills for different needs and purposes.
how will i be assessed?
There are two components:
Component 1 Portfolio: produce a sustained project and a selection of work that represents the course of study.
This is worth 60% of your overall marks.
Component 2 Externally set assignment: there’s a separate externally set task paper for each title. It features seven tasks and you have to complete one of them. You get unlimited preparation time for prepare for this plus ten hours of supervised time.
This is worth 40% of your total marks.
Which Course Will I Follow?
Students will follow the GCSE Art and Design course offered by AQA.
What equipment will I need?
All specialist equipment is provided by school but access to basic Art materials at home can support the development of a coursework portfolio.
Where can this subject take me?
You can continue your art and design studies at AS and A-level, where the same titles are available. You’ll also be able to choose areas of study to specialise in within a particular title. If you don’t want to take your art and design studies any further, the transferable skills you gain will still be valuable. You’ll develop problem solving, creative thinking, investigation, research, communication and teamwork skills, and gain the ability to develop, refine and present ideas. Employers and universities regard all of these highly.
Did you know??
Did you know more people work in the creative industries than the finance industry! The creative industries generate £84.1 billion to the United Kingdom (UK) economy each year and employ over 2.8 million people. Unlike many industries, the creative industries have continued to grow, despite the recent financial crisis.
Art and design opens the door to lots of exciting careers including:
- Fashion design
- Graphic design
- Theatre designer
- Animator
- Video game designer
- Illustrator
- 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
- Artist
- Visual media
- Teaching
New technologies are creating a whole new range of courses where art is being used in innovative ways.
How Can I Support My Child at Home?
Encourage your child to dedicate regular time to their coursework and sketchbook, as consistent practice is key to success in Art and Design. Provide a quiet space for them to work and ensure they have access to basic materials like pencils, paints, and paper.
Show interest in their projects by asking about their ideas and inspirations, this helps build confidence and creativity. Visiting galleries, museums, or exploring online art resources can broaden their understanding of different styles and techniques. Finally, remind them to meet deadlines and keep their work organised, as both are essential for achieving high marks.
