FAQ
These answers are based on Edexcel Exam Board coursework submitted in 2015.
What is an Art and Design GCSE?
An Art and Design GCSE is a GCSE based 60% on coursework (usually completed in two to three sketchbooks) and 40% on a Final Exam. Although both sections involve annotating, there is no written exam. It follows a mark scheme so some marks can't be awarded unless certain specifications are included in a project, giving it some structure. Coursework is about 45 hours (less than two days) worth of work spread out over two years. Year 10 or 11 mock exams can be incorporated into the coursework.
Am I the right person for GCSE Art?
Yes, if you are creative and determined. You don't have to be great at time management but it is a skill you will refine over the first year so you are prepared for your Final Art Exam at the end of the second year.
Will I enjoy it?
If you complete work set every week and keep your sketchbook up to date, most lessons will be stress-free and relaxing. Some lessons will be challenging, especially life drawing or learning other new techniques. However, you will be expanding your skill set and find it easier as you go along.
What does it involve?
An Art and Design GCSE with the Edexcel Exam board takes two years. You are required to produce at least two pieces of coursework (sketchbooks or projects), with a different theme set by the Exam Board, each with a Final Piece. You also have to complete an Exam Piece with a sketchbook's worth of planning you can refer back to during the exam.
Each topic can be tailored towards your interests, as long as you can explain how your Final Piece for each topic relates to the starting theme. For example, one of the possible topics* is Portraiture and the Figure. From there, you can explore Skeletal Structure, Fashion and the Figure or even Movement and the Figure.
Work doesn't have to be officially submitted until just before the Final Exam.
* The topics are set by the Exam Board each year. While there have been certain recycled topics, there is no certain way of knowing which one you will get. Some of them include: Ordinary and Extraordinary and Illustration. They all have sub-topics to choose from.
Each topic can be tailored towards your interests, as long as you can explain how your Final Piece for each topic relates to the starting theme. For example, one of the possible topics* is Portraiture and the Figure. From there, you can explore Skeletal Structure, Fashion and the Figure or even Movement and the Figure.
Work doesn't have to be officially submitted until just before the Final Exam.
* The topics are set by the Exam Board each year. While there have been certain recycled topics, there is no certain way of knowing which one you will get. Some of them include: Ordinary and Extraordinary and Illustration. They all have sub-topics to choose from.
I picked Art as an option but I'm not sure if I should continue
Tell your teacher on the first day. If they think you are capable of it they will tell you to stay. If your school allows it, try it for at least four weeks. Think about what other options you would consider doing and arrange a talk with relevant staff members so they are aware from the start that you are unsure of your options.
Will I have to purchase all the materials myself?
No. The school will probably offer bulk buys of sketchbooks, specialised pencils, paints and rubbers. They should also supply the regular materials at no extra cost every lesson.
However, spare materials at home will come in handy for homework. Follow the essential materials checklist when preparing for a new school year. If you find you are missing something last minute, there are plenty of online Arts&Crafts stores to explore.
However, spare materials at home will come in handy for homework. Follow the essential materials checklist when preparing for a new school year. If you find you are missing something last minute, there are plenty of online Arts&Crafts stores to explore.
How long should I spend on Art a week?
Everyone works at a different pace. Spend at least an hour on Art a week but if you know you work slowly, spend half and hour on it each day. Don't feel bad if you don't work on it every day but don't leave it all for the weekend and then panic.
When you start a piece, ask yourself if you would be happy working on it. Unless the teacher tells you you have to include a certain technique in your project, don't start using it if you know you'll hate it.
Some teachers will set a homework task every week or will suggest a specific time to spend on the project. Make sure you do keep up with each homework task, however small it seems, because they'll pile up at the end of the two years if not.
When you start a piece, ask yourself if you would be happy working on it. Unless the teacher tells you you have to include a certain technique in your project, don't start using it if you know you'll hate it.
Some teachers will set a homework task every week or will suggest a specific time to spend on the project. Make sure you do keep up with each homework task, however small it seems, because they'll pile up at the end of the two years if not.
How much work should I do?
Over two years, most exam boards required two or three pieces of coursework, each with a different theme, as well as a final Exam project. Most of these are done in separate sketchbooks but you don't have to fill, or even half fill, the whole sketchbook. Most students use A3 sketchbooks but some assemble their own as they go or use vision boards.
Why should I consider taking Art as an option?
Art allows you to be expressive and while the workload is large, it is split up over two years so you will find lessons are actually quite relaxing. Even if you don't continue into A Level, it will provide you with a varied CV so employers know you can do more than just the skills that are essential to your job. Most school also do Art for Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) so definitely consider Art if this lesson inspires you. However, even if it doesn't, remember GCSE Art gives you more freedom than your previous Art lessons have.
DON'T take Art just to fill up an option space because if you don't enjoy Art it will be a burden for you and your negative experience could put determined students off.
DON'T take Art just to fill up an option space because if you don't enjoy Art it will be a burden for you and your negative experience could put determined students off.
What job can I get with an Art GCSE?
After a GCSE Art, you can continue with an A Level or a college course. Usually, these courses are essential for a more specific University Degree. Jobs that can be obtained after a degree include Film Animation; Publishing and Advertising; Cinematic Lighting and even Set Design.
With a more refined Fine Art Degree, you could be a curator, select the jewelry that is going to be sold in shops like H&M or design glasses frames. To be realistic, a lot of these jobs are highly competitive and require commitment, just as GCSE Art does.
Even if you don't continue with Art after the GCSE Level, it will add a wider range of subjects to your CV to show you can be creative and have a good work ethic.
With a more refined Fine Art Degree, you could be a curator, select the jewelry that is going to be sold in shops like H&M or design glasses frames. To be realistic, a lot of these jobs are highly competitive and require commitment, just as GCSE Art does.
Even if you don't continue with Art after the GCSE Level, it will add a wider range of subjects to your CV to show you can be creative and have a good work ethic.