Applied Art and Design - GCSE
(Double Award)

Course description:

This is a practical, work related option. Being a vocational course it is aimed at students who intend to follow careers in the visually creative industries. Students learn by completing projects that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands through a client orientated approach. The course offers students the opportunity to investigate and use a broad range of 2D and 3D materials including the use of ICT and photography. They are encouraged to develop independent work and build up a portfolio of artwork which will support applications for employment or to advanced qualifications such as a BTEC First Diploma.

Course structure:

There are 3 compulsory Units:

Unit 1 (2D and 3D visual language)

This explores how artists, craftspeople and designers communicate their ideas. Students learn about a diverse range of techniques through the investigation of firsthand resources and secondary images.

Unit 2 (Materials, techniques and technology)

This investigates how artists, craftspeople and designers use technology, materials and techniques to create a wide range of two and three-dimensional pieces of artwork.

Unit 3 (Working to project briefs)

This unit gives the students the experience of working to a client-centred brief which might involve individual and group based work to find an effective visual solution and outcome.

Year 10:

Broad based 2D & 3D visual language skills assignments.
- Vocational Context assignment.

Year 11:

Working to a visual arts brief using specialist skills.
Externally set assignment (Unit 3).

Homework:

Students can expect between 1 and 1½hours per week approximately to consolidate and extend skills and knowledge as well as complete independent research into artists, craftspeople and designers.

Assessment, weighting and timings of assessments:

Unit 1 (2D and 3D Visual Language) and unit 2 (Materials, Techniques and Technology) are internally assessed and externally moderated in June each year.
Unit 3 (Working to Project Briefs) is an externally set assignment with 10 hours of supervised time plus a four-week preparatory period. This unit is internally assessed and externally moderated in June of Year 11.

Each unit is worth 33.3%. Students will achieve a double award GCSE (grade range A*A*- GG).

Books, equipment, materials and resources recommended / needed:

A4, A5 and A3 sketchbooks and an A1 folder, pencils, crayons, pastels, acrylic paints / watercolours / brushes.

Opportunities for study beyond Key Stage 4:

• BTEC First Diploma in Art & Design.
• AS Level Art & Design leading to a full ‘A’ Level in the second year.
• A Foundation course in Art & Design leads to a specialist degree course at Art College or University.

Career opportunities supported by this subject:

Fashion Designer	Graphic Designer	Illustrator	Theatre Set Designer
Architect	Fine Artist	Interior Designer	Product Designer
Animator	Photographer	Conservationist	Textile Designer
Jeweller