Year 9 Options - Art
WHY THIS SUBJECT IS IMPORTANT
In Art, Craft and Design GCSE, you will produce 2 portfolio projects, and 1 exam project. You will develop your learning from KS3 to create more in depth and creative projects based on a range of open titles.
You will look at different approaches to art and use a range of different media, techniques and materials. You will explore and learn more about 2 of the following: Fine Art, Graphic Communication, Textile Design, Three-dimensional design and Photography. You will learn how to develop, refine and record your own ideas based on a range of project themes.
You will develop curiosity and empathy when researching new artists and sources for inspiration. It may be that you choose an issue-based project, for example based on politics or events in the news. You will need to understand the perspective of others in order to create interesting and engaging art work.
You will develop responsibility through taking ownership of your Art projects. You will make individual choices about the materials and processes you will use and why. You will need to source a variety of inspiration, resources and materials to help develop your project. Time management will be important, particularly within the 10-hour practical exam at the end of your exam project.
You will develop courage, adaptability and tenacity throughout your GCSE. You will be asked to experiment with brand new materials and processes that may be challenging to develop. You will create a range of test pieces in order to work towards a successful final piece.
WHAT WILL I STUDY AND WHAT SKILLS WILL I DEVELOP?
Art, Craft and Design is a way of seeing things and making sense of the world around you. The transferable skills you gain will be valuable for further study and the world of work. You’ll develop problem solving, creative thinking, investigating, research, communication and teamwork skills.
You will develop, refine and record your own ideas based on project titles. You will continue to build your use of the formal elements and use your practical skills for different needs and purposes. You will improve your creative skills through the effective and safe use of media, materials, techniques, processes and technologies. As well, you will gain the ability to develop, refine and present your own ideas.
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Students will explore multiple themes and topics over the GCSE and document their experiences using sketchbooks and larger pieces. This portfolio of work and evidence will account for 60% of total marks.
Students will then receive an externally set assignment, a key word or theme given to them to investigate and once more produce a body of work towards this (40%).
However, this time students will have a 10-hour period of time in exam conditions to create a well-considered and meaningful final response(s) to their project.
The course uses FOUR assessment objectives; Develop, Refine, Record and Present - each is worth 24 marks out of 96. The same marking criteria is used for both Y10 and Y11.
WHAT DOES THIS SUBJECT LOOK LIKE AT COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY?
You can continue your Art and design studies at AS and A-level. You’ll be able to choose areas of study to specialise in (e.g. Fine Art, Photography, Sculpture, Film) within a particular title. You will be responsible for managing your project and time, and you will be supported by tutors through individual tutorials. At the end of each year, you will curate and set up your own exhibition to present your work. You will build a professional portfolio of work to record your artistic journey.
WHAT CAREERS COULD THIS LEAD TO?
Art and design opens the door to lots of exciting careers. 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 and pandemic crisis (thecreativeindustries.co.uk).
Fashion design, Graphic design, Illustrator, Architecture, Advertising, Photographer, Animator, Theatre design, Interior design, Teaching, Museum curator, Video game designer and Product design are just some of the careers that Art could lead you to. If you choose to study Art at A-Level, you may specialise in one of these areas. These areas are available to study at University and could therefore create a pathway to the career of your choice.
The transferable skills you gain will be valuable for the world of work. You’ll develop problem solving, creative thinking, investigating, research, communication, time management and teamwork skills.