Middle School Curriculum Booklet 25-27

Art and Design: Fine Art

Edexcel GCSE Art and Design: Fine Art 1FA0

Why study Art? Art occupies a unique position in the School curriculum, providing you with the practical and conceptual skills to go on a highly rewarding and creative personal journey. A special language of self-expression and communication, it combines intuition, intellect and emotion. Studying Art teaches you to think and act critically and creatively, and such creativity is essential in a world that covets a knowledgeable, imaginative and innovative workforce. What does the course cover? Pupils will engage with portraiture, culminating in a large-scale acrylic piece, tackle graphic illustration and examine contemporary artists. Pupils develop a sculpture, including an introduction to wire, willow and felt, and various other forms such as jewellery and ceramics. In Senior 11, artists will produce a mixed media textile piece, touching on screen-printing, lino printing, and free-motion embroidery. Drawing and draftsmanship runs as the central thread of the course and forms the foundation for the wider art, craft and design work undertaken. The final examination outcome is very independent and presents a real opportunity for individual expression.

How is the course assessed? The final grade awarded is based on the NEA portfolio and the examination piece. Both are internally marked and moderated by an external assessor. There is an exhibition at the end of the course.

Component 1: Non-Examination Assessment: Portfolio 60% of final mark

Projects are internally set using established themes that give pupils the opportunity to develop a variety of personal and meaningful responses to artworks. This usually takes the form of supporting sketchbooks (where ideas are fostered and artworks are analysed), an A1 portfolio of larger works and some three-dimensional work. The Externally Set Assignment offers fifteen possible starting points including themes, visual assignments and written briefs. This paper is released by the board in January and pupils complete ‘preparatory studies’ during lessons and with guidance from their teacher. This period of preparation culminates in the examination where pupils produce an unaided response (or responses) within a 10-hour time frame. The examination is completed in the Art Studios and usually takes place over two consecutive days. Component 2: Externally Set Assignment 40% of final mark

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