KS4 - GCSE Fine Art and BTEC Art & Design

Curriculum Knowledge

Throughout the two-year courses’ students will develop the following curriculum knowledge:

An ability to effectively develop ideas through purposeful investigations.
Demonstrate critical understanding of sources.
Thoughtfully refine ideas.
Effectively select and purposefully experiment with appropriate media, materials, techniques and processes.
Skilfully record ideas, observations and insights through drawing and annotation, and any other appropriate means relevant to intentions, as work progresses.
Competently present a personal and meaningful response and realise intentions.
Express understanding of visual language.

Year 10

BTEC

Students cover a set of 4 units across the two years. 2 of these are internally chosen to develop and nurture them as young artists throughout year 10. The focus on visual language in both 2D and 3D forms the units and allows for students to experience the work of industry professionals, experiment with a range of different media, art forms and processes as well as continuously improving their confidence and skills in the art of observation.

GCSE

Students complete their first major project for their coursework throughout Y10 GCSE. The title ‘Identity’ supplies the students with a starting point to explore and towards the end of Y10 take off into their own areas of interest. They experience the work of artists and craftspeople through analytical research and imitation of the style. They delve into a wide range of different media and processes from traditional drawing and painting techniques to modern printing. This is all supported by a continuous development of observational and draftsman ship skills.

Year 11

BTEC

Students complete their final internal project under the title of ‘Introduction to Specialist Pathways in Art and Design’ which provides the students the opportunity to be more independent in order to select their most successful area of art and develop their ideas towards a final brief.

Their final unit is the externally set task. This consists of a set of briefs provided by the exam board. Students have a set amount of time to develop ideas and explore outcomes. The final section of their course is a 10 hour exam in which they realise their intentions in a summative final piece.

GCSE

Students complete their second coursework project with much more choice and independence. Scaffolding is in place to guide the students through the different assessment objects to gain marks and increase their final coursework mark. They select from 4 themes for this project.

Skill Development

Subject Specific Skills:

Command of industry use software.
Observational Skills.
Draftsman ship

Wider Academic Skills / Attributes:

Analytical skills.
Ability to utilise a range of presentation skills.
Creative problem solving
Self-expression
Creative outlet

Personal Development - SMSC & Cultural Capital (Opportunities / Experiences)

Impact on environment, sustainability and society.
Opportunities to explore other cultures.
Historic understanding.
Ability to express one’s self.
The ability to access, progress and develop.